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.

We would like to thank our seasonal employees for another year of hard work and dedication.

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 two wildfires caused by abandoned campfires which escaped from the fire ring. 

The first escaped from the metal fire ring and 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.  

Last weekend, another abandoned campfire near the Little Berland escaped and burnt 0.02 hectares.  Members of the public helped contain the fire while Alberta Wildfire firefighters were dispatched to the scene to dig the burnt area and fully extinguish it.

Since March 1, 2020, there have been 48 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning approximately 4.38 ha.  

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

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

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 636 wildfires burning a total of 1,480.48 ha.  

Agriculture and Forestry has recently dispatched 45 wildland firefighters and support staff to the state of Oregon.  Three of these support staff are from the Edson Forest Area.

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.

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: