Edson Area Update

LOCAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Wildfire (EWF-072) is currently out of control. There has not been any sigificant growth in wildfire today. The wildfire is located about 22 km west northwest of Grande Cache and is approximately 24.6 hectares in size. This wildfire is not threatening communities or other values at risk. 

Strong winds at this time are preventing suppression efforts. However, we have an airtanker, helicopters, heavy equipment and sixteen firefighters standing by.

The Fire Advisory remains in effect for the Edson Forest Area (EFA) 

Under this advisory

• Current fire permits are still valid.
• No new permits will be issued. 
• Safe wood campfires are allowed in campground fire rings and random camping areas.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it, and soak it again until cool to the touch. Remember to check the hot spots on your off-highway vehicles (OHV) and remove any debris before, during and after use.

Remember to check and follow the conditions of your burning permit. The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Stay current on Fire Advisories/Restrictions/Bans throughout the province of Alberta at AlbertaFireBans.ca.

SMOKE IN THE AIR

Smoke from wildfires in the United States and British Columbia continues to drift into the Edson Forest Area. 

Find out the latest smoke update by visiting www.firesmoke.ca If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811.

WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS

• Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it is completely extinguished before you leave your site. Remember to soak it, stir it and soak it again. If you can still feel heat coming from the ashes it is not extinguished. Leaving a campfire unattended will result in a fine of $287 under the Forest Prairie and Protection Act. If an individual does not properly extinguish a fire and it starts a wildfire they can be charged up to $100,000 or face imprisonment for up to two years. 
  
  
• Ride Debris Free. An Off-Highway vehicle exhaust can reach temperatures of over 200 degrees Celsius. That means it won't take long for that wet and muddy debris to dry up, start smoldering and fall onto the ground as you drive away.You can help reduce your chance of starting a wildfire by stopping frequently to remove any build up of debris from the hot spots on your machine.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE 10:00 a.m. September 1, 2017

There are currently 19 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta. Three are out of control, five are being held, nine are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible parties.

Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 1,108 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 20,559.77 hectares.

FOR MORE INFORMATION