With camping season underway, we have seen an increased number of abandoned campfires that have the potential to cause a wildfire. Make sure you fully extinguish any burning as we head into a week of high temperatures and extreme wildfire conditions.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473) to report it.
This update is best viewed on a web browser or the AB Wildfire Status App | View previous Edson Forest Area Updates. Bold indicates new or important information.
Crew EU01 at Kelly's Bathtub (July 8, 2024).
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now High. Forest fuels are dry and fire risk is serious. Moderate to vigorous surface fire is expected, which may spread to treetops. Conditions may be challenging for fire suppression efforts. Fire danger is a relative index depicting forest environment conditions, how a fire will behave and how much damage a fire could do. You can view the forecasted fire danger map on our website.
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 60 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 89.38 hectares (ha).
The area has detected an increase in abandoned campfires this month. Please make sure you fully extinguish your campfire and do not leave it unattended. The recent precipitation this spring has not been significant enough to prevent wildfires from spreading. Soak your campfire, stir the ashes and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch.
It's important to understand that wildfires caused by humans are rarely arson and anyone could accidently cause a wildfire. Keep watch of your surroundings when working and recreating outdoors and keep the risk of causing a wildfire to a minimum.
To learn more about wildfire classifications, click here.
Visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the wildfire dashboard.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
The fire danger is extreme in the northwest parts of the province. It is high to very high elsewhere.
Since January 1, there have been 632 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 87,002.38 hectares (ha). Of these wildfires, 13 are classified as out of control, 20 are being held, 27 are under control and 570 have been extinguished.
Since July 7, 2024, there have been five new wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
There are currently 64 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, 13 are classified as out of control, 20 are classified as being held and 31 are under control.
Last year, on this date, there was 820 wildfires that burnt a total of 2,153,449.11 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 638 wildfires had burnt an average of 603,132.38 ha.
Wildfires of note: There are two wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area. These will be updated after 11 a.m.
FIRE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED
All burning within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta requires a burn permit, with the exception of campfire. You can get your free fire permit by applying online or contact your local forest area office at (780) 723-8527 or you can request your permit using the online fire permit portal.
FIRESMART YOUR HOME
FireSmart is a national program that helps Canadians increase their resilience to wildfire. Whether you are a homeowner, resident, business, local government, or Indigenous community, you can take small steps with lasting impacts.
Homes and buildings ignite because of the materials, condition, and everything that surrounds them. The area within 30 metres of the home is called the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ). Within it are three priority areas, each requiring specific actions. Start by reducing your risk in the Immediate Zone and work your way outward.
To learn more on how you can protect your home, visit FireSmart Alberta. For farm or acreages, you can download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS & TOOLS
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.
- If you are working within the Forest Protection of Alberta, you must carry sufficient firefighting equipment as per the Forest Prairie and Protection Act.
- For road closure information, please visit 511.alberta.ca
- For information regarding smoke in the area, you can visit firesmoke.ca
- NASA FIRMS Fire Information website is a great resource to give an idea of the location of wildfires in the area, but note that the data is based on interpolation and often can make the wildfire look larger then it actually is.
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:
