Edson Area Update

Edson Forest Area - FIRE BAN IN EFFECT - Wildfire Update - May 14, 2020

Posted on Thu, May 14, 2020

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Grass and fine fuels are extremely dry and any spark, hot exhaust or friction can start a wildfire.  Grass catches easily and burns out of control quickly.  We ask that you use caution when you recreate or work in the outdoors and keep watch over your surroundings.  If you suspect a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

 

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is MODERATE.  There are currently no active wildfires.

Since March 1, 2020, there have been 13 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning approximately 1.29 ha.  

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

There are currently eight wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Five of these wildfires are under control and three have been turned over to the responsible parties. 

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 156 wildfires burning a total of 93.13 ha.  

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


OHV WILDFIRE SAFETY

There is currently no off-highway vehicles (OHV) restriction in the Edson Forest Area at this time. 

We do ask that you use extreme caution when riding this weekend.  OHVs include all-terrain vehicles, quads, trikes and other vehicles designed for travelling off public roads and on unpaved trails and rough terrain.  Debris falling from these vehicles can start a wildfire. You can reduce the risk of your vehicle causing a wildfire with a few simple precautions.

  • Before you ride, clean out hot spots and remove debris from your machine.

  • After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from your machine.

  • Carry a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.

  • Wash your quad and keep it clean; do not wash in streams or creeks.

  • Make sure your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.

  • Stop frequently. Take the time to knock debris from your machine’s hot spots. If the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it’s out.

OHV Hot Spots

 


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There is a fire ban in place inside the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.  Fire permits are suspended or cancelled. Some allowances can be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning, but will need to be approved by a forest officer.

These steps are part of a number of actions the department is implementing to help mitigate wildfire risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking action in advance to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires will allow Alberta Wildfire to make the best possible use of resources when the availability of firefighters could be reduced because of the pandemic.

PROHIBITED

All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds, backyard firepits and the use of BBQ charcoal briquettes. The use of fireworks and exploding targets are also prohibited.

ALLOWED

Propane / natural gas powered appliances, indoor wood fire, and open flame CSA approved oil devices.

All devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer standards. An indoor wood fire is a fire inside a structure (such as a building, tent, or RV) and contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor. Users are still responsible for care and attendance of all devices and should reduce their use during fire restrictions and bans. Approved activities or devices will not prevent potential prosecution or litigation if the user or device starts a wildfire.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry will be monitoring conditions, including the availability of firefighting crews and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fire Ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Please visit AlbertaFireBans.ca for a map of the affected area.


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Alberta wildland firefighters practicing social distancing at the Hinton Training Centre.


 WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS

Albertans are always asked to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors:  

 ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION

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For more information, please contact:
Caroline Charbonneau
Wildfire Information Officer | Edson Forest Area
Cell: 780-740-1341
caroline.charbonneau@gov.ab.ca
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