Edson Area Update

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.

At this time of year, 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.

A wildland firefighter ensuring EWF057 is fully extinguished earlier this week.

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

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

Several of our wildfires this year were caused by abandoned campfires.  Ensure you fully extinguish your campfire before you leave.  Soak it with water, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch.

Since March 1, 2020, there have been 56 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning approximately 6 ha.  One wildfire occurred before wildfire season which makes a total of 57 since January 1st.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

There are currently 16 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.  One of these wildfires is out of control, two are being held, seven are under control and six have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 686 wildfires burning a total of 4,452.45 ha.  

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

HUNTING AND RECREATIONAL CAMPFIRES

If you're having a campfire, even if it's small or on top of snow, you must ensure that it is fully extinguished before you leave the site. 

This time of year, snow may be present in the morning but can quickly melt by afternoon.  A campfire built on top of snow can easily smoulder in the debris underneath and re-ignite when the wind picks up which could cause a wildfire.  Choose your site carefully.  Hard-packed mineral soil or gravel is best.  Scrape away any flammable material and use extra care around dead grass.

When you leave the site, soak it, stir it and soak it again until the fire is extinguished and the ashes are cool to the touch.

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: