Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - April 9, 2024

A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest 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 in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

New recruits continue to arrive at the Hinton Training Centre each week this spring. The new wildland firefighters will spend a week at the centre learning the science of wildfire, strategies and tools to help them this season. Once training is complete, they'll head to their home base to one of the ten forest areas across the province. (RC Flyers, April 9 2024).

This update is best viewed on a web browser or the AB Wildfire Status App | To view previous Edson Forest Area Updates - Click here. Bold indicates new or important information. 

• New permits will be considered on a case-by-case basis, only for essential burning.

• Existing fire permits are valid but extension requests may not be granted. Permit holders must follow the safe burning conditions outlined on the fire permit.

• New fire permits will not be issued for non-essential heavy fuel burning such as machine-piled brush piles and windrows.
  

• Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire is prohibited.
  

Stay informed on fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking www.albertafirebans.ca.

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now MODERATE. This means that creeping or gentle surface fire is likely. If wildfire is in dead grass and it's windy, the fire could move quickly. Keep watch of your surroundings when working outside. Sparks, hot exhaust or friction can ignite a wildfire in the exposed dry grass and vegetation.

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 11 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 8.14 ha.

There are six "carry over" wildfires from the previous year still listed in our forest area. They are all classified as under control. These wildfires may not be active at the moment but will stay listed until forest officers are certain they are fully extinguished.

It may take several weeks or months before these carryover wildfires are classified as extinguished. A high level heat scan will be conducted with an aircraft when specific ground and moisture conditions are met. Too much snow or rain can cover hotspots which won’t be picked up by the scanner. 

None of these wildfires pose a threat to any communities or properties, including the Town of Edson. 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

Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 97 wildfires burning a total of 452 ha. 

Last year on this date, there had been 18 wildfires that burnt a total of 38 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 39 wildfires burnt an average of 71 ha. 

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 this time, the Edson Forest Area is not issuing any new burn permits for machine pile brush piles or any other large debris pile until conditions improve. Any other permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.

To request your free fire permit, contact the local forest area: (780) 723-8527 or you can request your permit using the 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.

FIRESMART YOUR HOME

Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow.

Flames aren’t the only threat. An estimated 90% of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers. By taking proactive FireSmart measures around your house and yard, you can increase your properties’ resistance to wildfire.

Is your home ready?

Roofs, gutters, vents, siding, decks, fencing—it’s important to consider every part of your home. Find out how to reduce your risk. Visit https://firesmartalberta.ca/at-home/ to learn more.

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.
• 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.
  
• To view the provincial wildfire danger map, click here.