Edson Area Update (242)

A FIRE RESTRICTION in now in effect for the Edson Forest Area.

Alberta Wildfire, Yellowhead County and Parkland County are responding to multiple wildfires in the area.

Dry grass can catch easily and burn quickly. Any spark, hot exhaust or friction can cause a wildfire. Avoid working near or on dry vegetation to help prevent wildfires.

If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

A new wildfire located 25km west of Lodgepole and 20 km northwest of Brazeau Dam was discovered earlier today. It is creating a large smoke column that is visible in the surrounding area. This wildfire has been reported and is currently being actioned by Alberta Wildfire resources. More information on this wildfire is located in the "Active Wildfires" section below. It is wildfire EWF-031.

(WCU002 activity on the north side after tanker support, May 4, 4:30pm).

ACTIVE WILDFIRES

WCU002 has now been named the Deep Creek Wildfire and was detected on the evening of April 29 and is a mutual aid wildfire located on both sides of Highway 22, north of Highway 16. The wildfire is currently burning out of control. The wildfire was re-assessed and is now estimated to be 2,254 ha in size. The fire is burning in a mixture of grass, shrub, trees and marsh. Both Yellowhead County and Alberta Wildfire are actioning this wildfire.

Today, a total of 14 pieces of heavy equipment and five helicopters will be assisting 64 firefighters. They will continue to work in high priority areas to reinforce containment lines. Most fire activity was primarily in the interior of the wildfire today.

Airtankers are currently performing drops on the north end of the fire to prevent further spread.

Alberta Wildfire and Yellowhead County will continue to work on reinforcing the lines to prevent the fire from spreading further into rural properties. Crews will also be patrolling the area, searching for, and extinguishing smoldering hotspots using mostly water pumps and hose. Firefighters will be using pumps and hose to spray water deep into the ground. Shovels will be used to stir up the ground layers so that water can travel deep into the ground to fully extinguish smoldering hotspots.

They’ll be working near the rural subdivision of Lobstick Resorts and the hamlet of Wildwood. Also east of RR 92 and towards the south side of Township Road 544 to prevent spread to the north of Chip Lake. Firefighters will also be working on the north side of the fire, west side of Hwy 22. Alberta Wildfire will be assisting Yellowhead County as required on the east of Hwy 22 to prevent further spread towards Evansburg.

More hot and dry conditions are expected to continue. Tomorrow, light winds will remain in the morning at 10 km/h but will increase from the east-southeast 20-25 km/h with gusts of 45 km/h around noon and remain gusty throughout the evening. Temperatures will remain in the mid 20’s throughout the day. No precipitation is expected in the next 48 hours.

If you have any questions or concerns about this wildfire (WCU002) please call the Wildfire Information Officer at 780-653-0153 and press 2 for information.

For all other wildfires, please report by calling 310-FIRE.

EWF031 was detected on May 4 and is located 25 km west of Lodgepole and 20 km northwest of Brazeau Dam. The fire is classified as out of control and estimated to be 50 ha in size. There are currently 16 firefighters and four helicopters fighting this wildfire.

EWF026 was detected on May 3 and is located 13 km north of Hwy 16, east of the McLeod River. The fire is classified as under control and estimated to be 1 ha in size.

EWF025 was detected on May 2 and is located 12 km west of the Pembina River, 14 km south of Highway 16. The fire is classified as under control and estimated to be 1.80 ha in size.

EWF021 was detected on April 30 and is located in Marlboro. The fire is now classified as under control and estimated to be 8.72 ha in size.

EWF015 was detected on April 29 and is located 3.5 km north east of Peers. It is now classified as under control and estimated to be 46.57 ha in size.

WCU001 was detected on April 29 and is classified as being held, located approximately 9 km southeast of Evansburg. AB Wildfire is assisting Parkland County. Alberta Wildfire has firefighters, a helicopter and heavy equipment assigned to the wildfire. A dozer group and heavy equipment are on site. The estimated size is currently 503 ha.

The above wildfires remain under investigation. To learn more about wildfire classifications, click here.

For more information, visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires and their stats on the wildfire dashboard.

public map may 4

Deep Creek Fire (WCU002) May 4th AM, 2023 public map

Note: The wildfire perimeter map is an estimate based on measurements such as GPS, aerial scanning and satellite imagery. This estimated perimeter can change as more accurate measurements become available. Areas within the fire perimeter may not have been affected by wildfire.

Click on the map for the PDF version.

Crews will be working on wildfire Deep Creek Fire (WCU002), searching for and extinguishing hotspots. (May 4, 2023)

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY INFORMATION

EVACUATION ORDER - NORTH OF WILDWOOD

Yellowhead County has issued an evacuation order for north of Wildwood. From Township Road 544 north to Township Road 560 and west to Range Road 110 and east to Highway 22. Residents in this area must evacuate immediately. Evacuation route is Range Road 92 heading south to Wildwood. The Evacuee Reception Centre is the Edson Leisure Centre – 1021 49 Street Edson. Please visit the Yellowhead County Facebook page or yhcounty.ca for updates. Evacuees can call 1-833-334-4630 for more information. Gather important documents, medication, and enough food and water to be away from home for at least 3 days. Take pets with you.

For road closure information, please visit: https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts

FOR ALL OTHER RESIDENTS OF WILDWOOD

Residents must remain on 30-minute alert. Please be prepared to evacuate if conditions change. Keep all medication, important documents, and food and water for three days ready for evacuation. Take pets with you. All returning residents need to check their utilities and services for any issues and to ensure they’re in working order. If there are any issues or concerns, please contact the appropriate organization for power, water, gas, or other services. Transportation will be available from Edson to Wildwood for evacuees. Regular services such as trash collection will begin soon.

Residents with breathing/health concerns may want to remain evacuated due to air quality. You can find the air quality map here: https://www.alberta.ca/about-the-air-quality-health-index.aspx

Please visit www.yhcounty.ca for evacuation notices and re-entry packages that includes advice about returning to your homes and evacuation centers and contact information for services you may need to access. For updates from Yellowhead County, please visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yellowheadcounty

For updates from Parkland County and evacuation information, please visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ParklandCountyAB. Residents in the affected areas can contact the Emergency Information Line at 1-780-968-8888.

For road closure information, please visit: https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts

If you have smoke related health concerns, please contact AB 811 click here for more information.

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now EXTREME due to dry vegetation, no snow coverage and very little precipitation. Dry grass can catch easily and burn quickly. Always keep watch of your surroundings and avoid work that can cause friction, hot exhaust or spark near dry vegetation.

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 31 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 71 ha.

*Mutual aid wildfires are not calculated in the Edson Forest Area total.

Visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires and their stats on the wildfire dashboard.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 323 wildfires burning a total of 6,024 ha.

Fire Restriction wide-1

FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A fire restriction is in effect for most of Central Alberta in the Forest Protection Area due to high fire hazard.

Under this advisory:

· Existing fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued

· Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed

· Essential burning may be allowed with written permission from a forest officer

Prohibited:

· All outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas. The use of fireworks and exploding targets are also prohibited.

Allowed:

· Safe wood campfires (including charcoal briquettes) on private lands and in provincial campgrounds.

· Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.

· Propane/ natural gas powered appliances.

· Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor.

· Cooking, warming and lighting devices – all devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer’s standards.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire restriction will remain in effect until fuel and weather conditions improve.

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.

WE URGE RESIDENTS AND RECREATIONALISTS TO USE EXTRA CAUTION

Due to the current dry grass, warm weather and possible windy conditions, there is an increased risk of wildfires in the Edson Forest Area. We urge residents and visitors to exercise caution and take the following precautions:

Do not start any fires or use open flames in areas that are susceptible to catching fire, such as near dry vegetation like grass or wooded areas.
Dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials properly, do not throw them on the ground.
If you see a wildfire, immediately call 310-FIRE (3473) and report the location of the fire.
Avoid using equipment that could generate sparks, friction or flames, such as power tools or lawn mowers, in areas with dry vegetation.
Ensure grinders and welders are properly maintained and used in areas that are free from dry vegetation. Have sufficient water and tools on hand. Always keep watch of your surroundings and look around at regular intervals for smoke or flames that may have been accidently ignited.

We encourage everyone to stay informed about the current wildfire risk and to follow any guidance or orders from emergency personnel. By working together and taking proactive steps, we can help reduce the risk of wildfires in our community.

WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS

Albertans are always asked to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors:

Before you burn it, get your fire permit. Fire permits in Alberta.
Clear debris from hot spots on your off-highway vehicle.
Ensure your campfire is out - soak it, stir it, soak it again.
Before you head out this weekend, check out the albertafirebans.ca website or download the app to stay informed.

ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION

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