Alberta Wildfire would like to thank you for properly extinguishing your campfires, reporting smoke and using caution when recreating in the outdoors.
We ask that you continue to use caution at all times when working and recreating in the outdoors. Cured dry grass can ignite easily and burn quickly. If you suspect a wildfire, please report it to 310 FIRE.
Residents are not required to contact Alberta Wildfire outside of fire season when burning, however we appreciate the information in the event that smoke is reported by the public. You can contact the Forestry Office at 780-723-8527.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE | FIRE SEASON 2019
The Edson Forest Area (EFA) currently has 0 active wildfires.
Since March 1, 2019, there were 66 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area which burnt approximately 266.3 ha. In the past 5 years, the average number of wildfires was 100 per year.
Of the 66 wildfires in our area, 4 were caused by lightning and 62 were caused by humans. The percentage of human caused wildfires in the EFA this year was 93%. The average in the past 5 years was 74%. Some of the reasons the wildfire numbers were down compared to previous years attributes to the fire ban that was placed in the spring that limited recreational wildfires and the above average rainfall.
Did you know that there are only 2 causes of wildfires. Those causes are human and lighting. Human wildfires are 100% preventable which means that the EFA could have had just 4 wildfires this year. Do your part in learning how you can prevent wildfires. Visit wildfire.alberta.ca and click on Prevention.
WILDFIRES OF SIGNIFICANCE | FIRE SEASON 2019
EWF033 which started on May 19th near the community of Marlboro was caused by a recreational campfire. The wildfire burnt 66 hectares, causing Highway 16 to be closed for several hours and many residents to be evacuated from their homes. Both Alberta Wildfire firefighters and Yellowhead County firefighters worked together to extinguish the fire.
EWF043 was detected on May 29th and located 40 km south east of Edson and 29 km west of Cynthia and burnt 188 hectares. The wildfire burnt out of control for a total of 6 days before Alberta Wildfire firefighters were able to classify it as under control.
To view the provincial wildfire map, visit our website by clicking here.
BRUSH PILES & WINDROWS
With winter fast approaching, land owners and developers may be planning on clearing land before the snow settles.
Brush piles and windrows are commonly used to burn woody debris from land clearing for agricultural and development purposes. Alberta Wildfire can advise you on how to construct your burn site so it meets the guidelines for safe burning practices.
Safe Burning Tips
You can refer to the Brush Piles and Windrows Pamphlet for more information and safe burning practices.
HUNTING SEASON CAMPFIRES
Even with cooler temperatures and potential snow on the ground, wildfires are still a concern. If you're having a campfire this hunting season, please make sure you follow these safe campfire tips:
Campfires can smolder in the ground for days, even weeks. Warmer temperatures and wind can flare a smoldering campfire, causing a wildfire. Always make sure your campfire is fully extinguished. Soak it, stir it and soak it again!
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE | October 31, 2019
Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 989 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 883,412.27 hectares.
Fire Danger Rating: Low across the province.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
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