Although snow remains in the backcountry, areas of exposed dry grass are extensive around the Edson Forest Area, which pose a significant wildfire risk. As a result, a Fire Ban and OHV Restriction has been expanded to parts of the Edson Forest Area, effective 2:00 pm May 22, 2019.
Where:
- FCZ 13, 14; and
- FCZ 16 – 46 inclusive.
MO-010/2019 – Fire Ban
Prohibits the use of each of the following:
- Wood fires in the backcountry;
- Wood fires in random camping areas;
- Wood fires in engineered facilities in campgrounds;
- Wood fires on residential properties;
- Fires using charcoal briquettes;
- Turkey fryers; and
- Tiki torches.
This order does not apply to:
- Portable propane fire pits, that are CSA approved or UL certified, within campgrounds, backcountry areas, random camping areas, and on private land;
- Gas or propane stoves and barbeques, that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating, within campgrounds, backcountry areas, random camping areas, and on private land;
- Catalytic or infrared style heaters within campgrounds, backcountry areas, random camping areas, and on private land; and
- Fires contained in industrial facilities or on industrial sites that have been approved by a forest officer.
MO-011/2019 – OHV Restriction (Prohibition of Operation of OHV Vehicles)
This order prohibits the operation of any off-highway vehicle, for recreational purposes on public land within the area described above.
This Order does not apply to the use of any off-highway vehicle for:
- Agricultural purposes;
- Commercial operations;
- on private lands; or
- by any individual when exercising a right recognized and affirmed under Part II of the Constitution Act, 1982 or a right under section 12 of the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement or when travelling to a location to exercise such a right.
- BE ADVISED that even if this order does not apply to the above users, if the use of an OHV during a Fire Ban is deemed liable for the cause of a wildfire, the user will be held fully responsible. EXTREME CAUTION IS TO BE EXERCISED IF USING AN OHV UNDER THESE CONDITIONS.
- OHV Definition as per Alberta Traffic Safety Act, 2018 (Part 6 Section 117 Definition) http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/T06.pdf
Many municipalities outside the Forest Protection Area also have fire bans and restrictions. The most up to date information regarding fire bans can be found at www.albertafirebans.ca.
Copies of MO-010/19 and MO-011/19 can also be found on our External Website.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS
- Get a permit if you're within the Forest Protection Area and you plan on burning with the exception of a campfire. For permit information, Click Here.
- Clear debris from hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle.
- Ensure your campfire is out - Soak it, Stir it, Soak it Again.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
For more information, contact:
(C): 780.420.1968
(C): 780.712.5846