Due to warm, dry conditions with high winds, the wildfire danger rating for the Edson Forest Area (EFA) is now HIGH. As a result, a FIRE ADVISORY in now in effect.
All current fire permits except burning barrels will be suspended and no new permits will be issued until the advisory is lifted.
Reminder to doublecheck the conditions for burning on your permit before igniting.
There will be no new fire permits issued until fine fuel conditions improve.
Safe campfires are allowed, but do not leave campfires unattended.
If you are enjoying the Alberta backcountry and you have a campfire, before you leave:
-soak the ashes,
-stir them, and
-soak them again until they are cool to the touch.
The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
For further information, you can contact the Edson Fire Centre at (780) 723-8506.
Dry grass and fine fuels are extremely dry and any spark, hot exhaust or friction can start a wildfire. We ask that you use caution when recreating or working in the outdoors and keep watch of your surroundings.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest, report it by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
With the long weekend quickly approaching, we would like to share some important reminders:
Build your campfire in a safe location
A campfire should be built on level ground near water and should be sheltered from the wind. If water isn't nearby, keep a large pail already filled with water within reach. Under the right conditions, wind can pick up sparks or embers and ignite a wildfire.
Never leave your campfire unattended
Whether you're going to bed, going out for a short hike or heading home, your campfire must be extinguished before you leave it, to prevent wildfires.
Properly extinguish your campfire
You must soak the ashes with water, stir it with a shovel or large stick and soak the ashes again. Continue to do this until the ashes are cool to the touch. Your campfire can re-ignite if not properly extinguished, especially if there is wind, and start a wildfire.
Edson Forest Area:
EWF-033 (pictured at 8:03 p.m. on May 19) began just on the south side of Highway 16 south of Marlboro and quickly jumped across the highway, prompting an evacuation of some homes in the area. More information about that can be found on the Alberta Emergency Alert website.
Crews, including fire fighters, helicopters and airtankers, moved quickly to fight the wildfire and protect the homes in the community. The fire is still out of control at an estimated 87 hectares in size, however the intensity of the fire has been greatly diminished, and structural protection has been put in place to defend homes and buildings.
Since March 1, 2019 there have been 33 wildfires in the EFA that have burned approximately 74.39 hectares in total.
Provincial Stats:
There are currently 30 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 6 are out of control, 3 are being held, 11 are under control and 10 have been turned over to the responsible parties.
Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 395 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 41,971 hectares.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
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