Wildfire hazard
The wildfire hazard has climbed to EXTREME for the Edson Wildfire Management Area (EWMA). Todays forecast is calling for very warm temperatures and winds from the south west at 20 kilometres per hour. Please be cautious while out enjoying our forests and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
EWMA Wildfires July 8 10:00 am
Pinto Creek Complex:
Both of these wildfires saw very little growth yesterday.
EWF-061 is now being held at 92.6 hectares in size. Given current weather conditions and firefighting resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
EWF-062 located in section 18 township 55 range 26 W5 east of the Polecat road and moving southeast towards Wroe Creek and the Pinto Creek Canyon Natural Area. This wildfire is out of control and 232 hectares in size.
Currently there are 44 firefighters, seven helicopter and five pieces of heavy equipment that will continue work both wildfires in this complex.
Rockslide Creek Wildfire in Willmore Wilderness Park is under control at 12,054 hectares in size. We continue to patrol this wildfire daily.
Smoke in the air
Winds from the northwest are causing smoke from these wildfires plus wildfires in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories to drift south into the Edson WMA. Anyone with health concerns should check the Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24/7. Also check Wildfire Smoke Forecasts for Western Canada for a smoke forecast map.
Due to warmer temperatures and no substantial amount of rain in the forecast, the FIRE ADVISORY in the Edson WMA remains in effect. Existing permits for heavy fuels (machine piled brush piles and windrows) are cancelled and no permits will be issued until conditions improve. Existing permits for burn barrels and smudges will be allowed but remember to check and follow conditions of your permit. Safe campfires are allowed in backyards, campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas.
By abiding by the fire advisory you help keep our firefighters free to battle existing wildfires and any new wildfires that may start.
Check www.albertafirebans.ca for up to date information on the fire advisory in EWMA as well as other jurisdictions.
Please remember to make sure your campfire is completely out before you turn in for the night and when you leave your campsite. Click here to learn how you can make sure your campfire is out.
For the latest wildfire information, download the Alberta Wildfire app for Apple or Android devices.
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CURRENT WILDFIRES CURRENT FIREBANS WEATHER
Joan Simonton - Wildfire Information Officer
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
Edson Wildfire Management Area
780.712.5846 joan.simonton@gov.ab.ca