Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 15, 2024 2:56 pm

The Wildfire Danger is now moderate due to limited precipitation received in the past few days. Thundershowers and possible high winds are expected over the next 24-48 hours. 

If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473) to report it.

Always have water enough on hand to fully extinguish your campfire.

This weekend marks the opening of the recreational fishing season and Father's Day. Which will lead 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

EWF050 has been updated to Under Control.

CLASSIFICATIONS: To learn more about wildfire classifications, click here.

LOCATIONS: To view this wildfire on our interactive map, click here and follow the active wildfire link. 

WILDFIRES IN THE EDSON FOREST AREA

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 50 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 85 hectares (ha).

48 of these wildfires are now classified as extinguished, one is under control and one has been turned over the the responsible party.

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 very high 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 431 wildfires burning a total of 27,986 ha. 

Last year, on this date, there was 644 wildfires that burnt a total of 1,724,889 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 512 wildfires burnt an average of 504,400 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. As the season gets busy, 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.

A fire permit is required for all burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, excluding campfires.

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.