A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area.
Use extreme caution if you are doing any work that will produce a spark, friction or hot exhaust. Wildfires will catch easily and burn quickly under these conditions.
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.
Wildland firefighters are responding to EWF028 located 10 km northeast of Wildwood. (May 5, 2024)
ACTIVE WILDFIRES IN THE EDSON FOREST AREA
EWF028 is classified as OUT OF CONTROL and estimated to be 1.2 ha in size. The wildfire is located 10 km north northeast of Wildwood, north of TWP 544, 3 km west of highway 22. There are 20 wildland firefighters alongside Yellowhead County firefighters. The firefighters are being supported by two helicopters, airtankers, three dozers, two water trucks and one excavator. Additional information will be available later today.
Helicopters are supporting firefighters on EWF028 (May 5, 2024)
EWF024 is classified as UNDER CONTROL and estimated to be 0.20 ha in size. The wildfire is located 6 km southeast of Edson, on the south side of the McLeod River. This wildfire will be monitored for fire activity.
EWF015 is classified as UNDER CONTROL. This means that the wildfire is completely contained and will be extinguished. To view this wildfire on our interactive map, click here and follow the active wildfire link. The wildfire is estimated to be 60 ha in size. Firefighters will continue to monitor this wildfire until they are confident it's fully extinguished. Visit TC Energy's website for additional information by following this link.
These wildfires do not pose a threat to any community. The cause of the wildfires remain under investigation
CARRY OVER WILDFIRES | All carry over wildfires in the Edson Forest Area from 2023 are fully extinguished. Alberta Wildfire firefighters performed patrols and extinguished hotspots throughout the winter. Once snow melted and conditions allowed, extensive high level heat scans were conducted using aircraft. These scans showed no hotspots on all of the wildfires.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now MODERATE. This means that all dead dry grass and fine fuels are available to burn and fire can creep on the ground.
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 28 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 71 hectares (ha).
We ask that residents use extreme caution when working outdoors and keep watch of your surroundings. Sparks, hot exhaust or friction can ignite a wildfire in the exposed dry grass and vegetation.
Do not leave your campfire unattended and ensure you fully extinguish it before you leave the site. An abandoned campfire can start a wildfire and under these conditions, will burn quickly.
Visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the wildfire dashboard.
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 this link to learn more.
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.
- 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.
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:
