The wildfire danger is expected to climb this week as the forecast calls for hot temperatures and little precipitation. Be advised that fine fuels are drying quickly and any spark, hot exhaust or friction can easily start a wildfire.
Ensure you fully extinguish your campfire and never leave it unattended. If you suspect a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
For the safety and security of the public and our staff, we ask that individuals keep a respectful distance from our facilities. Please do not approach lookout towers and firebases.
Alberta Wildfire airtankers were based in Edson last week while the wildfire danger was climbing.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is HIGH. There are currently no active wildfires.
Since March 1, 2020, there have been 42 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning approximately 2.62 ha.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
There are currently seven wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One of these wildfires is being held, four are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible parties.
Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 501 wildfires burning a total of 785.47 ha.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
IF YOU PLAN TO BURN IT, GET YOUR PERMIT
If you plan on burning within the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a cooking or heating fire, you must contact your local forestry office to request a fire permit. You can click here for a listing of forestry offices near you.
To request a permit within the Edson Forest Area, call 780-723-8527.
MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE AERIAL SURVEYS
Agriculture and Forestry staff as well as mountain pine beetle contractors have begun their aerial survey program looking for areas affected by mountain pine beetle. You may notice helicopters flying low over the forest in a grid-like pattern over the next six weeks.
To learn more on mountain pine beetle, please visit the Agriculture and Forestry website. To view maps of previous years' aerial survey data, click here.
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.
- Before you head out this weekend, check out the albertafirebans.ca website or download the app to stay informed.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
For more information, please contact: