Many of our wildfire detections are thanks to the public reporting wildfires to 310-FIRE. At times, the public may accidently call in flare stacks generated by the oil and gas industry. We kindly ask that you confirm that it is not a flare stack when reporting a wildfire, as these calls may take away resources for other emergency responses.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now LOW. This means that fire can still ignite but is not expected to spread to deeper vegetation layers or larger fuels, such as trees. To view the forecasted fire danger map, click here.
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 51 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 85 hectares (ha).
Of the 51 wildfires this year, one was caused by lighting and 50 were caused by human activity. All wildfires in Alberta are investigated. To date, the Edson Forest Area determined that nine were caused by residents working or burning on their property, four caused by recreation activities, four by powerlines and three by agricultural activities. Others are currently under investigation or caused by other similar industries and land users.
It's important to understand that wildfires caused by humans are rarely arson and anyone could accidently cause a wildfire. Keep watch of your surroundings when working and recreating outdoors and keep the risk of causing a wildfire to a minimum.
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 northwest region, which is moderate to high. It is moderate to high across most of the agricultural zone.
Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 435 wildfires burning a total of 27,986 ha.
Last year, on this date, there was 647 wildfires that burnt a total of 1,724,889 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 521 wildfires burnt an average of 504,717 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:
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
For more information, please contact: