Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 31, 2024

Be advised that strong winds 30 km/h gusting to 50 are expected to continue into tonight.

Ensure you use caution when working and recreating outdoors. Use care if welding, grinding or other hot works that can cause a spark, friction or hot exhaust. Make sure you keep a close eye on off-highway vehicles for buildups that can smoulder and catch fire.

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

Wildfire EWF039 is now classified as UNDER CONTROL (May 31, 2024).

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

The fire danger is now HIGH. Under these conditions, forest fuels 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. To view the forecasted fire danger map, click here.

If you are burning, ensure you follow the conditions of your permit. Recreationalists having campfires, be aware of wind conditions and ensure you have sufficient water and tools nearby.

WILDFIRES IN THE EDSON FOREST AREA

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 39 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 85 hectares (ha).

EWF039 is located 15 km north of highway 16, 31 km west northwest of Edson, south of Sundance Lakes. The wildfire is now classified as UNDER CONTROL and estimated to be four hectares in size. This wildfire will be monitored for activity and actioned when needed until firefighters are confident it will not re-ignite.

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

As of May 30, the wildfire danger is low across most of the northern and central boreal and moderate to very high in the northwestern and southern regions.

There are currently 29 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, one is classified as out of control, three are classified as being held and 25 are under control. 

Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 391 wildfires burning a total of 27,985 ha. 

Last year, on this date, there was 555 wildfires that burnt a total of  1,460,075 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 432 wildfires burnt an average of 440,428 ha. 

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

SAFE CAMPFIRES

As the weather gets better and more of us head into the woods for some rest and relaxation please make sure you NEVER LEAVE A CAMPFIRE UNATTENDED.

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.