Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 7, 2024

The wildfire danger status has been increased to moderate due to higher winds and little precipitation in the forecast. 

Sparks from your campfire can land in nearby dry vegetation causing a wildfire. If you leave your campfire unattended, it may be too late to prevent the spread of an escaped fire. Always ensure you fully extinguish your campfire before leaving.

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

Did you know that Bertie Beaver was created by Walt Disney in 1958?  

In the 1950's Walt Disney Productions filmed several nature documentaries in Alberta, including White Wilderness and Nikki: Wild Dog of the North.

In 1958, Walt Disney gifted Bertie to the Alberta Wildfire as a thank-you for their assistance in the productions, and he's served as a steward for Alberta's forests ever since.

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

The fire danger is now moderate due to the increased winds and decrease in rain over the last few days. Fire can creep along the surface and find it's way into the undergrow and trees.  To see the current 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.

• Never burn during windy conditions. 
• Never burn more then you can control. 
• Always have sufficient firefighting tools and water nearby.
• If your fire escapes, contact 310-FIRE as soon as possible to allow firefighters time to dispatch and help extinguish the fire.

WILDFIRES IN THE EDSON FOREST AREA

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 43 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 85 hectares (ha).

EWF039 is now listed as extinguished.  All 43 fires are now listed as extinguished in the Edson forest area. 

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

The fire danger is low to moderate across the north and east regions of the boreal and high to very high in the central-west boreal region and along the Rocky Mountains. The fire danger in the agricultural zone is very high to extreme

Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 410 wildfires burning a total of 27,988 ha. 

Last year, on this date, there was 609 wildfires that burnt a total of 1,713,606 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 478 wildfires burnt an average of 493,660 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 (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 is more than a collection of best-practices, programs, resources, and tools. FireSmart is a way of living with and managing the risk of wildfire. It is a shared responsibility between government, community leaders, neighbourhoods, and residents. Together, we can build a wildfire resilient Alberta. A FireSmart Alberta.

Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Flames aren’t the only threat. An estimated 90% of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers.  By taking proactive FireSmart measures around your house and yard, you can increase your properties’ resistance to wildfire.

To learn more on how you can protect your home, visit FireSmart Alberta. For farm or acreages, you can download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.

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.