Go Oilers, Go!
Please use caution when working and recreating outdoors. Ensure you fully extinguish your campfire and never leave it unattended.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473) to report it.
This update is best viewed on a web browser or the AB Wildfire Status App | To view previous Edson Forest Area Updates - Click here. Bold indicates new or important information.
The Edson Forest Area wishes the best to the Edmonton Oilers for tonight’s game 5! Go Oilers, GO!
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area remains 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.
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.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS & TOOLS
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.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
- Subscribe to the Edson Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.
- Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple and Android device.
- Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
For more information, please contact:
