Edson Area Update

At this time of year, cured grass and fine fuels become very dry. Any spark, hot exhaust or friction will catch easily and burn quickly which could start a wildfire. 

We ask that you use caution when camping, hunting or working in the outdoors and keep watch of 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.

Wildfire firefighting crews were busy working on FireSmart projects surrounding our communities.

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 46 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning approximately 3 ha.  

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

There are currently eight wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One of these wildfires is being held, four are under control and three have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 628 wildfires burning a total of 1,458.00 ha.  

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

FIRESMART QUICK TASK OF THE WEEK

Now is a great time to Firesmart your property so it can be ready for spring.

To learn more about FireSmart and how you can help your community, click on the following links. FireSmart Home Ignition Zone and the FireSmart Home Development Guide.

IF YOU PLAN TO BURN IT, GET YOUR PERMIT

Alberta's wildfire season begins March 1st and is effective until October 31st.  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.

Some of the reasons you need a permit:

• Permits help keep track of burning, and more importantly, smoke and flame.

• When lookout observers report smoke from a permitted fire, fire fighters aren't dispatched unnecessarily when they could be needed elsewhere.

• Getting a permit gives you a chance to review safe burning techniques.

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.

ALBERTA WILDFIRE APPLICATIONS

Are you an individual who believes in teamwork, safety and has a dedication to fitness?  Alberta Wildfire might have a temporary summer position for you next summer.  The deadline for wildfire crew applications is November 30, 2020.  Visit the link by clicking here. 

To learn more on what wildfire has to offer, please visit the wildfire recruitment website. 

 WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS

     

For more information, please contact: