Edson Forest Area - EWF043 Out of Control - FIRE BAN/OHV RESTRICTION IN EFFECT - May 29, 2019

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

• There are 24 firefighters on site.
• 6 airtankers and 4 helicopters
• 10 heavy equipment 

Air support will continue to work until day light hours allow.  Heavy equipment will work throughout the night, building containment line on the west side of the fire towards the north flank.

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 has been expanded to parts of the Edson Forest Area, effective 2:00 pm May 22, 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 PREVENTION TIPS