EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is LOW. There are currently no active wildfires.
Since March 1, 2020, there have been 21 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning approximately 2.0 ha.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
There are currently 12 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One of these wildfires is being held, five are under control and six have been turned over to the responsible parties.
Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 296 wildfires burning a total of 441.17 ha.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
CAMPFIRE SAFETY
CHOOSE A SAFE LOCATION
A campfire should be built on level ground near water and should be sheltered from the wind. If water is not nearby, keep a large pail already filled with water within reach. Under the right conditions, wind can pick up sparks or embers and ignite a wildfire.
NEVER LEAVE IT UNATTENDED
Whether you are going to bed, going out for a short hike or heading home, your campfire must be extinguished before you leave.
FULLY EXTINGUISH YOUR CAMPFIRE
You must soak the ashes with water, stir it with a shovel or large stick and soak the ashes again. Continue to do this until the ashes are cool to the touch. Your campfire can re-ignite if not properly extinguished, especially if there is wind, and start a wildfire.
FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT
Due to reduced wildfire hazard, advanced operational preparedness and favourable weather conditions in many areas of the province, the fire ban in the Forest Protection Area has now been revoked and a fire advisory has been put in place.
A fire advisory means Albertans in the Forest Protection Area can safely enjoy the use of a fire pit in their backyard, charcoal briquettes on a barbecue, or a safe campfire.
ALLOWED
PROHIBITED
Permits may not be issued as usual under a fire advisory. These precautions were put in place as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response plan to avoid multiple disasters at a time when resources may be limited. Two hundred additional fire fighters were hired and are now trained and positioned to respond to new wildfire starts.
Restrictions can be phased back in as necessary to address wildfire risk area-by-area. We expect this fire advisory to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires in Alberta, while allowing Albertans the freedom to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. We will re-evaluate daily.
Stay tuned to www.albertafirebans.ca throughout the wildfire season for more information about fire bans and restrictions in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
For more information, please contact: