Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 12, 2024

The heavy smoke settling over our forest area is not produced by a wildfire nearby.

The wildfire danger remains EXTREME. This means that forest fuels are extremely dry and pose a very serious fire risk. Fast-spreading, high-intensity fires are likely, which are very difficult to control.

Use extra caution if you are doing any work that will produce a spark, friction or hot exhaust. This includes grinding, welding and operating heavy equipment. 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.

Alberta Wildfire is responding to EWF033 which was detected this evening 16 km south of Cynthia. (May 12, 2024)

ACTIVE WILDFIRES IN THE EDSON FOREST AREA

EWF033 is classified as OUT OF CONTROL and estimated to be 1.0 hectare in size. It is located 16 km south of Cynthia, north of the Brazeau River. 21 firefighters are supported by three helicopters. This wildfire does not pose a threat to any values at risk, including homes or communities. All wildfires in Alberta are investigated and this one remains under investigation. 

EWF015 is classified as UNDER CONTROL. This means that the wildfire is completely contained and will be extinguished. 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. This wildfire does not pose a threat to any community. The cause of the wildfires remain under investigation.

CLASSIFICATIONS: To learn more about wildfire classifications, click here.

LOCATIONS: To view this wildfire on our interactive map, click here and follow the active wildfire link. 

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 33 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 79 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. 

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now EXTREME across the whole forest area. This means that forest fuels are extremely dry and pose a very serious fire risk. Fast-spreading, high-intensity fires are likely, which are very difficult to control.

FARMING COMMUNITY | We kindly ask that you consider the following:

• Plan your high risk operations early in the morning when dew and humidity is higher in the dead grass and dry vegetation. Keep in mind that peak burning periods in our forest area are roughly between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• Start from your headland (outer edge of the field) and work your way in. In the event a rock is struck and a spark is produced, the wildfire will be less likely to have vegetation to consume and easier to slow the spread.

• Ensure you clear all combustible materials away from points of ignition. Near heat shields, exhausts and wheel wells.

• Keep watch of your surroundings when working, you could accidently start a wildfire. Carry sufficient firefighting equipment and have a water source nearby.

To learn more on how you can protect your property from wildfire, view the Farm and Acreage Magazine.

SMOKE OVER THE EDSON FOREST AREA

The heavy smoke that is currently settling over the Edson Forest Area is not produced by a nearby wildfire. The website, Firesmoke.ca indicates that the smoke is coming from northern British Columbia. To learn more about where the smoke is forecasted to originate from, you can visit the website. 

Thick widespread smoke make it difficult for lookout observers to detect new smoke from our area. Ensure you use great care when recreating and fully extinguish your campfire. If you see flame or smoke that you suspect is from this area, please report it to 310-FIRE.

If you have having smoke related health concerns, we encourage you to contact Alberta 811.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 309 wildfires burning a total of 13,336 ha. 

Last year on this date, there had been 434 wildfires that burnt a total of 461,166 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 273 wildfires burnt an average of 170,745 ha.

A fire ban is in effect for the north western parts of the Grande Cache area.

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

To learn more about the Alberta Fire Ban System, check out our video.

SAFE CAMPFIRES

While it may feel like summer isn't here yet, the chance of a wildfire is very real. Wildfires can start anytime of year if the conditions are right.

Here are a few tips that will help ensure a safe campfire:

• Never leave your campfire unattended. Before you leave your campfire, ensure you fully extinguish it by soaking the ashes, stirring them and soaking them again until they are cool to the touch.

• Choose a safe site that is out of the wind and on bare mineral ground. Ensure that sparks can't fly into nearby dry fuels or grass. A spark will fly farther then you think.

• Ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment including water near by. Don't take chances. A spark in dry grass will ignite easily and spread very quickly if the wind is present. 
  

• Remember to visit albertafirebans.ca before heading out to find the latest information about fire bans across the province.

Alberta Wildfire typically sees an increase in human-caused wildfires during the spring and during the long weekends so do your part and prevent wildfires.

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.

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. 

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