Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - February 28, 2025

Wildfire season starts March 1. This means that all burning, with the exception of a campfire, will require a burn permit.

We urge residents and industry to return to their burn piles and ensure they are fully extinguished. Wildfire can start and spread anytime of year, always put out 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.

Snow is quickly melting and in certain areas the ground is already exposed. Keep in mind that dry grass and vegetation is available to burn and will catch easily. During windy conditions, the fire could burn quickly. Keep watch of your surroundings when working and recreating outdoors (February 28, 2025).

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE 

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area remains LOW. Since January 1, 2025, there have been two wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 0.32 ha.

EWF001 was detected on Jan 1 and burnt approximately 0.07 ha. EWF002 was reported on Feb 9 and burnt approximately 0.25 ha. We would like to remind the land owners and industry partners that winter wildfires are possible, regardless of snow conditions. Keep a close watch on weather, never burn more then you can manage and ensure you return to your site often to ensure your piles are out completely. 

Learn more about wildfire classifications on our website and view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.

PERMITS ARE NOW REQUIRED ON MARCH 1

Alberta’s wildfire season starts on March 1. This means that fire permits are now required for burning within the Forest Protection Area, except campfires.

Fire permits are free and can be requested online. You may also request your fire permit by calling your local forestry office - Edson Forest Area 780-723-8527.

PREVENT SPRING WILDFIRES

To prevent spring wildfires, revisit your burn piles or windrow burning projects to ensure all hotspots are extinguished.

• Spread out the remaining material.
• Scan the ashes by looking, smelling and carefully feeling with a bare hand for any signs of smoke or heat from the pile.
• Soak hotspots and stir until they're completely extinguished.
• Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.

You can also watch our video on how to prevent spring wildfires.

WILDFIRE UPDATES ARE MOVING!

The look is changing but the content remains the same. The Edson Forest Area wildfire updates will be distributed from a new source starting soon. Stay tuned for more information on how to sign up.

SEASONAL WILDFIRE POSITIONS

Multiple seasonal wildfire positions have become available to apply on our website. More positions will be posted in the coming weeks. Many of these positions are in various locations and may provide room and board. 

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.
  
• Subscribe to the Edson Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.