Help keep Alberta's forest safe and ensure you fully extinguish your campfire. Soak the ashes, stir them and soak them again until they're cool to the touch. Never leave your campfire unattended.
Do not burn in windy conditions and always adhere to the conditions of your permit. Dry grass can catch easily and burn very quickly. Any spark, friction or hot exhaust can easily start a wildfire.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
EWF069 is currently burning out of control 2.3 km west of the community of Obed. Two helicopters and 20 firefighters are working on this wildfire.
EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now HIGH due to hot daytime temperatures and no recent precipitation. To view the fire danger forecast map, click here.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022, there have been 69 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 40.62 ha. There are no active wildfires in the area at this time.
EWF069 is currently burning out of control approximately 2.3 km west of the community of Obed, north of the train tracks and 2.5 km north of Highway 16. The wildfire is estimated to be 1.0 ha in size and burning in an open area away from standing timber.
There are currently two helicopters bucketing water on the wildfire and 20 firefighters are en-route to assist with extinguishing this fire.
There are no communities threatened at this time.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 781 wildfires burning a total of 107,513 ha.
To view the wildfires on a map, check out the new wildfire dashboard. It provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the province, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more.
FARM AND ACREAGE PRACTICES FOR WILDFIRE PREVENTION
Frequently asked questions
As wildfire specialists, we’re often asked great questions from the public and industry. Here is a list of frequently asked questions that may help answer some of your own.
If a fire starts on my property and spreads to my neighbours, am I responsible for the costs of extinguishing that fire? Yes, if you are determined to be the responsible party you could be responsible for covering any costs incurred to extinguish that fire.
Why do I need a fire permit? Getting a permit tells us where to expect smoke or fire and provides the opportunity for advice on completing a successful burn. If you burn without a permit, and smoke or fire is reported, firefighters or aircraft could be dispatched. Help us send our resources where they are really needed by getting a fire permit.
If a patrol person comes and does a wildfire risk assessment on my property, am I obligated to make any changes? No, you are not obligated to make any changes. Think of the assessment as a way for you to get valuable tips about preventing wildfire from impacting your farm or ranch. You can implement any of the ideas if and when you choose.
If I have a fire permit and the fire gets away, am I liable? An investigation would be launched to determine if you followed the conditions on the permit.
What happens if I burn without a permit? The consequences of burning without a permit range from an official warning letter to a court appearance, which could lead to fines under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act. The biggest risk of burning without a permit is that it is possible that firefighters, equipment or aircraft could be sent to fight your fire. You could be responsible for all costs. A permit lets Alberta Wildfire and other firefighting agencies know where to expect smoke. If you don’t have a permit, we assume smoke or flames indicate a wildfire and firefighters will be sent.
It rained, why can’t I burn? Even though you have received rain, it may not have been enough to effectively dampen the ground. Most areas of the forest (especially farmland) have rich soil that is comprised of a lot of peat and organic matter. This soil requires extra moisture to filter down into deeper layers of the soil in order to sufficiently lower the hazard. Light rainfall will only moisten the top layer of soil, while soil a few inches below will remain dry. If burning is done when there is not enough moisture in the soil, chances for a holdover fire are greatly increased.
What is a holdover fire? A holdover fire is when a fire thought to be extinguished smoulders below the surface. These smouldering areas can remain dormant for extended periods of time and on hot, windy days they can resurface and become a wildfire. Any winter burning should be checked in the spring for potential holdover fires.
If I only have time to do one thing to my yard to prevent wildfire, what should I do? Cut grass around your buildings and house, and remove all combustible material from the first 1.5 metres around your home, including firewood.
To learn more on how you can protect your farm and acreage, visit our magazine by clicking here.
FIRE PERMITS
Wildfire season in Alberta is from March 1 until October 31. During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire. To request your free fire permit, contact the local forest area: (780) 723-8527 or you can request your permit using the new, convenient online fire permit portal.
We ask that you plan ahead, there may be delays for a forest officer to visit your site. For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video by clicking here.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS
Albertans are always asked to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors:
- Before you burn it, get your fire permit. Fire permits in Alberta.
- Clear debris from hot spots on your off-highway vehicle.
- Ensure your campfire is out - soak it, stir it, soak it again.
- Before you head out this weekend, check out the albertafirebans.ca website or download the app to stay informed.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
- Subscribe to the Edson Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.
- Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple and Android device.
- Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
For more information, please contact:
