Edson Area Update

As we head into the September long weekend, please keep fire safety top of mind. Summer might feel like it’s almost over, but wildfire season does not end until October 31.

We ask that you use caution when you recreate or work in the outdoors and keep watch over your surroundings.  Ensure you fully extinguish your campfire and never leave it unattended.  If you suspect a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

Be advised that Agriculture and Forestry will be conducting FireSmart maintenance along highway 40 South, north of the Hinton landfill and near the community of Peers.  This work may involve burning piles which will produce smoke.

Ansell Tower - Lookout towers are strategically located where visibility is favourable to detect and report fires.

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

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

In the past few weeks we had three new wildfires; two lightning-caused and an abandoned campfire which escaped from the fire ring.  The escaped fire burnt a total of 0.03 hectares.  It was fortune that a member of the public reported the wildfire to 310-FIRE before it had the opportunity to spread farther.  

Since March 1, 2020, there have been 46 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning approximately 3 ha.  

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

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

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 592 wildfires burning a total of 780 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 are completing their aerial survey program this week.  

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.

Multi-year fading trees caused by Mountain Pine Beetle.

 WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS

     

For more information, please contact: