Edson Area Update

Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - April 19, 2024

Posted on Fri, Apr 19, 2024

gfx-hsb-wildfiredangerupdate-high.jpg

Carry over wildfires WCU001, WCU002 & EWF035 are now classified as extinguished.

Winds are expected to increase later today and into the weekend. Keep watch of your surroundings and do not burn unless the conditions of your burn permit allow. 

If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.


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.

14 April 19 AB WILDFIRE YHC

We want to thank all of our local and provincial crews, industry partners, aircraft and equipment operators and residents for all their hard work and dedication. (April 18, 2024)

THREE CARRY OVER WILDFIRES NOW CLASSIFIED AS EXTINGUISHED

As of today, 2023 wildfires WCU001 (Evansburg), WCU002 (Wildwood), EWF035 (Shiningbank) are now classified as extinguished. Alberta Wildfire firefighters performed patrols and extinguished hotspots through the winter. Once snow melted and conditions allowed, extensive high level heat scans using aircraft were conducted. These scans showed no hotspots on the three wildfires listed above. 

JOINT MESSAGE FROM YELLOWHEAD COUNTY AND ALBERTA WILDFIRE

We would like to acknowledge all the momentous work and dedication of our firefighters and support organizations put forth during last year’s wildfires.

The provincial and local crews worked seamlessly during this time and achieved amazing results and put in enormous amounts of extra time and effort in all aspects of our operations.

We would also like to acknowledge our residents for their resiliency. Their determination, understanding, and cooperation during this difficult time was a crucial part in helping our crews fight these wildfires. Our focus continues to be the safety of our residents as we move into this year’s wildfire season.

The importance of FireSmarting properties is very important to protecting your property from the effects of a wildfire. This is an important step that anyone can take to help prevent damage to your home. Your efforts can help protect your homes and help protect our first responders.

Thank you to all the firefighters, residents, and everyone else who persevered through the events of last spring’s wildfires in our region and all those who supported our community.

REMAINING CARRY OVER WILDFIRES

The remaining three "carry over" wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season will remain classified as under control until firefighters are confident they are fully extinguished. This includes EWF031 (Edson), EWF039 and the Wildhay complex.

Alberta Wildfire is continuing to preform high level heat scans when conditions allow. The scans will be performed 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 until snow is melted.

At this time, no hotspots were found on the northern borders of EWF031. 

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.

We ask that if you see smoke or flame in the forest, report it to 310-FIRE.


Fire Advisory banner

A fire advisory remains in effect for the Edson Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to dry conditions and the presence of exposed dry and dead vegetation, which is extremely flammable.
 
Under this advisory:
  • 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.
Prohibited:
  • 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.


ACTIVE WILDFIRES IN THE EDSON FOREST AREA

EWF015 is classified as UNDER CONTROL. This means that the wildfire is completely contained and will be extinguished. The wildfire is located 28 km north northeast of Obed Lake, 35 km northwest of Edson and 55 km northeast of Hinton (north of the intersection of the Swanson Road and the Emerson Road). To view this wildfire on our interactive map, click here and follow the active wildfire link. 

The wildfire is now estimated to be 60 ha in size. You can also see the public map by clicking here.

Today, two excavators, two water trucks and two skidders with water tanks are supporting 31 firefighters with their efforts. Fire crews continue extinguishing hotspots, which consists of digging into the ground, looking and feeling for any hotspots that could re-surface and dousing it with water. They are reporting fewer hotspots on the perimeter but working in forestry slash piles that ignited during the incident. Once the snow is melted, firefighters will be able to better assess the burnt areas. Crews and heavy equipment plan on returning tomorrow and into the weekend to continue looking for and extinguishing hotspots.

This wildfire does not pose a threat to any community. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation. 

Visit TC Energy's website for additional information: https://www.tcenergy.com/newsroom/statements/ 

14 April 19 EWF015View of EWF015 on April 19, 2024. Very little heat is being found in the area, crews continue to work at extinguishing the wildfire.

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area remains now HIGH. This means that forest fuels like grass and branches 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. 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 16 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 68 ha.

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 152 wildfires burning a total of 579 ha. 

Last year during this week, there had been 48 wildfires that burnt a total of 82 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 62 wildfires burnt an average of 92 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

More so than ever before, Canadians are feeling the direct and indirect impacts of wildfire. There is a growing need for FireSmart education. FireSmart Canada has developed a FREE one-hour course for those who are getting started with FireSmart and want to learn more.

Follow the link: https://firesmartalberta.ca/training/


ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT PERSONNEL WANTED

The Forest Area is looking for administrative support personnel. Two positions are available in Edson. Our administrative positions provide support to a wide range of operations within the Government of Alberta. To learn more about the position or to apply, click here.


JOIN ALBERTA WILDFIRE AT THE EDSON AND DISTRIC TRADE SHOW

Join us at the Edson Trade Show next week. Take the opportunity to chat with both wildfire and forestry professionals, learn some great wildfire prevention tips, FireSmart advice and take home your own seedling to celebrate AB Forest Week!  

Edson Chamber trade show admission 2024 CROP


 WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS & TOOLS

Albertans are always asked to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors:

Alberta Fire Bans_V2 2022

 ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION


For more information, please contact:  

AREA INFORMATION COORDINATOR
Caroline Charbonneau, RPFT
Alberta Forestry & Parks | AB Wildfire
Wildfire Information Officer | Edson Forest Area
Cell:  780-740-1341
  
 
Caroline Button High Qua
 
WildfireFlash
 
RELATED INFORMATION