A FIRE RESTRICTION in now in effect for the Edson Forest Area.
Alberta Wildfire, Yellowhead County and Parkland County are responding to multiple wildfires in the area.
Dry grass can catch easily and burn quickly. Any spark, hot exhaust or friction can cause a wildfire. Avoid working near or on dry vegetation to help prevent wildfires.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Alberta Wildfire firefighters receive their safety briefing before heading to the fireline. (May 3, 2023)
ACTIVE WILDFIRES
WCU002 was detected on the evening of April 29 and is a mutual aid wildfire located on both sides of Highway 22, north of Highway 16. The wildfire is currently burning out of control. The wildfire was re-assessed and is now estimated to be 2,320 ha in size. The fire is burning in a mixture of grass, shrub, trees and marsh. Both Yellowhead County and Alberta Wildfire are actioning this wildfire.
Today, a total of seven pieces of heavy equipment and six helicopters will be assisting 59 firefighters. They will continue to work in high priority areas to reinforce established containment lines. Most fire activity was primarily in the interior of the wildfire last night, with limited activity on the edge of the perimeter.
Alberta Wildfire and Yellowhead County have completed all priority lines and will continue to work on reinforcing the lines to prevent the fire from spreading further into rural properties. They’ll also be patrolling the area, searching for and extinguishing smouldering hotspots using mostly water pumps and hose.
They’ll be working near the rural subdivision of Lobstick Resorts and the hamlet of Wildwood. Also east of RR 92 and towards the south side of Township Road 544 to prevent spread to the north of Chip Lake. Firefighters will also be working on the north side of the fire, west side of Hwy 22. Alberta Wildfire will be assisting Yellowhead County as required on the east of Hwy 22 to prevent further spread towards Evansburg.
More hot and dry conditions are expected to continue. Today, winds will remain 10-15 km/h but will increase to southeast 20 km/h with gusts of 35 km/h. Temperatures will remain in the high 20’s throughout the day. Tomorrow, winds will remain out of the southeast 20-30 km/h with gusts of 40 km/h. No precipitation is expected in the next 48 hours.
Note: The wildfire perimeter map is an estimate based on measurements such as GPS, aerial scanning and satellite imagery. This estimated perimeter can change as more accurate measurements become available. Areas within the fire perimeter may not have been affected by wildfire.
Click on the map for the PDF version.
EWF025 was detected on May 2 and is located 12 km west of the Pembina River, 14 km south of Highway 16. The fire is classified as being held and estimated to be 2.20 ha in size. Nine firefighters and one water truck as associated with this wildfire.
EWF021 was detected on April 30 and is located in Marlboro. The fire is now classified as under control and estimated to be 8.72 ha in size.
EWF015 was detected on April 29 and is located 3.5 km north east of Peers. It is now classified as under control and estimated to be 46.57 ha in size.
WCU001 was detected on April 29 and is burning out of control, located approximately 9 km southeast of Evansburg. AB Wildfire is assisting Parkland County. Alberta Wildfire has heavy equipment assigned to the wildfire. A dozer group and heavy equipment are on site. The estimated size is currently 503 ha.
The above wildfires remain under investigation. To learn more about wildfire classifications, click here.
For more information, visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires and their stats on the wildfire dashboard.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY INFORMATION
We urge everyone in this area to monitor Alberta Emergency Alert. There are evacuation orders and alerts in effect at this time. The municipalities will instruct the public regarding evacuation alerts or orders. To learn more, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx
WILDWOOD EVACUATION ORDER WILL BE LIFTED at 3:00 PM
The mandatory evacuation order is being lifted at 3:00 PM today (May 3, 2023) for all evacuees in the Wildwood/Lobstick area. These residents are now safe to return to their homes at 3:00 PM on May 3, 2023.
Yellowhead County residents can safely return to their homes at 3:00 PM. Roadblocks will be removed to allow access to the area.
Some roads, such as Highway 22, may have adjusted speed limits due to fire crews still at work in the area. Please follow all posted signage and help keep our crews safe.
Residents must remain on 30-minute alert. Please be prepared to evacuate if conditions change. Keep all medication, important documents, and food and water for three days ready for evacuation. Take pets with you.
All returning residents need to check their utilities and services for any issues and to ensure they’re in working order. If there are any issues or concerns, please contact the appropriate organization for power, water, gas, or other services.
Transportation will be available from Edson to Wildwood for evacuees.
Regular services such as trash collection will begin soon.
Residents with breathing/health concerns may want to remain evacuated due to air quality. You can find the air quality map here: https://www.alberta.ca/about-the-air-quality-health-index.aspx
Please visit www.yhcounty.ca for a re-entry package that includes advice about returning to your homes and contact information for services you may need to access.
For updates from Yellowhead County, please visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yellowheadcounty
For updates from Parkland County and evacuation information, please visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ParklandCountyAB. Residents in the affected areas can contact the Emergency Information Line at 1-780-968-8888.
For road closure information, please visit: https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts
If you have smoke related health concerns, please contact AB 811 click here for more information.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now EXTREME due to dry vegetation, no snow coverage and very little precipitation. Dry grass can catch easily and burn quickly. Always keep watch of your surroundings and avoid work that can cause friction, hot exhaust or spark near dry vegetation.
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 25 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 63 ha.
*Mutual aid wildfires are not calculated in the Edson Forest Area total.
Visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires and their stats on the wildfire dashboard.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 281 wildfires burning a total of 1,000 ha.
The fire restriction will remain in effect until fuel and weather conditions improve.
Stay tuned to www.albertafirebans.ca throughout the wildfire season for more information about fire bans and restrictions in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
WE URGE RESIDENTS AND RECREATIONALISTS TO USE EXTRA CAUTION
Due to the current dry grass, warm weather and possible windy conditions, there is an increased risk of wildfires in the Edson Forest Area. We urge residents and visitors to exercise caution and take the following precautions:
- Do not start any fires or use open flames in areas that are susceptible to catching fire, such as near dry vegetation like grass or wooded areas.
- Dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials properly, do not throw them on the ground.
- If you see a wildfire, immediately call 310-FIRE (3473) and report the location of the fire.
- Avoid using equipment that could generate sparks, friction or flames, such as power tools or lawn mowers, in areas with dry vegetation.
- Ensure grinders and welders are properly maintained and used in areas that are free from dry vegetation. Have sufficient water and tools on hand. Always keep watch of your surroundings and look around at regular intervals for smoke or flames that may have been accidently ignited.
We encourage everyone to stay informed about the current wildfire risk and to follow any guidance or orders from emergency personnel. By working together and taking proactive steps, we can help reduce the risk of wildfires in our community.
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:
