Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 14, 2024

The Wildfire Danger level is set as moderate due to limited precipitation in the Edson Forest area along with the call for thundershowers and possible high winds over the next 24-48 hours. 

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

Make sure you always have water on hand to put out your campfire

This weekend marks the opening of the recreational fishing season and Father's Day, leading to an increase in campers in our forests. It's crucial to exercise caution with campfires. Sparks can ignite dry vegetation nearby, potentially causing a wildfire. Make sure to completely extinguish your campfire before departure. 

Remember -  Soak it, Stir it, Soak it again.

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

The fire danger level has been set to moderate because of the low rainfall and the threat of thunderstorms. 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 except for the northernmost regions, which are moderate to high. It is moderate to high along the west in the Grande Prairie forest area down to the Rocky Mountains and is extreme in the agricultural zone.

Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 426 wildfires burning a total of 27,986 ha. 

Last year, on this date, there was 642 wildfires that burnt a total of 1,724,277 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 510 wildfires burnt an average of 504,276 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.

As we move into the summer season, please plan ahead.  Our forest officers' work loads are increasing so there may be delays for a forest officer to visit your site.  Contact us or submit for your permit online as early as possible to ensure you have your permit for when you need it.

If you are not sure if you need a permit, contact us to check

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.