Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 12, 2024

The wildfire danger status remains Moderate due to low precipitation and the possibility of thunderstorms over the next few days.  

Sparks from your campfire can land in nearby dry vegetation and cause 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. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch.

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

An example of an airtanker that may be seen at the Edson airport 

Local residents may have noticed an airtanker at the Edson tanker base/ airport the last few days taking off and landing several times a day. We are currently holding training in the area and there is no need to be alarmed. When we have downtime, we take full advantage and get in as much extra training as possible.  

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. If you are having a campfire, 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 46 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 85 hectares (ha).

All 46 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 across most of the boreal, with pockets of moderate to high in the west and south boreal regions. It ranges from moderate to extreme along the Rocky Mountains and is extreme in the agricultural zone.

Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 423 wildfires burning a total of 27,988 ha. 

Last year, on this date, there was 634 wildfires that burnt a total of 1,724,275 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 495 wildfires burnt an average of 496,690 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.