Edson Forest Area - EWF043 Out of Control - FIRE BAN/OHV RESTRICTION IN EFFECT - May 30, 2019 (11:30 a.m)

The fire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now at EXTREME due to above seasonal temperatures, little precipitation and dry grass and debris.  As a result, a Fire Ban and OHV Restriction will remain in effect for parts of the Edson Forest Area and much of Alberta.

Wildfire EWF043 is currently burning out of control.  The fire was detected on May 29th and is located approximately 40 km south east of Edson and 29 km west of Cynthia.  The fire is currently moving towards the south west this morning and is estimated to be 205 hectares in size.

As of this morning, there are 47 firefighters, 6 airtankers, 4 helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy equipment on site.  

Heavy equipment worked throughout the night, building containment line on the west side of the fire towards the north flank and made good progress.  Heavy smoke covered the fire this morning.  Air support will begin to assist firefighters and heavy equipment once the smoke clears from the fire and it's safe to resume work.  

The wind direction is expected to push the south flank of the fire and create a wide head today. Strong winds with gusts up to 40 km are expected making it challenging for firefighters.

Map of EWF043 was created on May 29, 2019 @ 9:00 p.m.  A new map will be created once smoke on the fire clears and air support can approach the fire safely to re-assess the fire boundaries.

Extreme fire behavior from EWF043 on the evening of May 29, 2019.

FIRE BAN AND OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT for much of the Edson Forest Area and many parts of Alberta.

The Town of Edson, Hinton and the surrounding counties have issued a Fireban and OHV Restriction.  To view a map of the fire ban/OHV restriction areas, visit www.albertafirebans.ca

PROHIBITED

• All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, back country and random camping areas and backyard fire pits. 
• Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
• Fireworks and explosive targets.

ALLOWED

• Portable propane fire pits, gas or propane stoves and barbeques, that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating.
• Catalytic or infrared style heaters.
• Fires contained in industrial facilities or on industrial sites that have been approved by a forest officer.

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.
• We remind the public and industry that if the use of an OHV during anytime is deemed liable for the cause of a wildfire, the user can be held fully responsible. EXTREME CAUTION IS TO BE EXERCISED IF USING AN OHV UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. 

Relevant links and copies of MO-010/19 and MO-011/19 can be found on our website, click here.

The most up to date information regarding fire and OHV bans can be found at www.albertafirebans.ca.

WILDFIRE SITUATION | May 30, 2019

Edson Forest Area: 

Since March 1, 2019 there have been 44 wildfires in the EFA that have burned approximately 275.83 ha.

Provincial Update:

There are currently 27 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 10 are out of control, 2 are being held, 9 are under control and 6 have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 502 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 374,768.92 hectares.

Fire danger rating: Mainly high to extreme in the province.

For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

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