Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 27, 2024

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

Ensure you fully extinguish your campfire and never leave it unattended.

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

Even when crews are fighting wildfire, they remain constantly active. There's always training to undergo or other tasks to assist with. A bit of rain does nothing to dampen their spirits. During these "quiet" periods, crews take the opportunity to engage in additional training and hone their skills, to ensure their certifications remain current.

(Members training in the rain at Entrance May 25, 2024)

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 33 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 80 hectares (ha). 

Even with the wildfire danger set to low, we ask that residents to use 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.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

As of May 26, the wildfire danger remains low across the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, low to moderate in the central region, moderate along the southeast and high to very high in the northernmost regions. There have been six new wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Of these wildfires, three are classified as being held and three have been extinguished.

There are currently 30 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, six are classified as being held and 24 are under control. 

Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 369 wildfires burning a total of 28,097 ha. 

Last year on this date, there had been 528 wildfires that burnt a total of 1,288,471 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 410 wildfires burnt an average of 405,832 ha. 

Visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the wildfire dashboard. 

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

FireSmart Canada has also developed a FREE one-hour course for those who are getting started with FireSmart. Click here to learn more. To learn more on how you can protect your home and structures from wildfire, visit firesmartcanada.ca or click here to watch videos. 

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.