Edson Area Update (246)

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.

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.

22 May 2 WCU002 look west from south side South side of wildfire WCU002 looking towards the west.

Evacuation Lifted for Evansburg - Re-entry at 12:00 PM (noon) on May 2, 2023

The mandatory evacuation order is being lifted at 12:00 Noon today for Evansburg, Entwistle, and areas in Parkland County located west of Highway 22. These residents are now safe to return to their homes. The entire Highway 16 corridor will be open for Yellowhead County residents and Parkland County residents traveling to their homes.

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...

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. Air quality monitoring will begin in Wildwood. More information on re-entry will be shared shortly. www.yhcounty.ca

ACTIVE WILDFIRES

WCU002 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 2,386 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 10 pieces of heavy equipment and six helicopters will be assisting 31 firefighters, additional firefighters are expected to arrive today. Two heavy helicopters bucketed on the south side of the wildfire yesterday and plan to continue where needed. Airtankers are being requested when needed.

Today, firefighters plan to continue the containment line on the south boundary, working towards the rural subdivision of Lobstick Resorts and the hamlet of Wildwood. They'll also reinforce the guard on the east side of RR 92, the north side of the fire to the south side of TWP Rd 544 and surrounding the areas north of Chip Lake. AB Wildfire will assist Yellowhead County east of Hwy 22 to further the efforts and limit the possibility of the fire spreading towards Evansburg.

Fire behaviour is expected to be similar today as it was yesterday however the situation is continuously changing.

The winds today are expected to come from the northeast at 15 km/h, shifting to southeast near midnight. Tomorrow, the fire expects southeast winds to increase in the afternoon with gusts of up to 35 km/h, diminishing Wednesday night.

Our forest area is expecting dry lighting again today, we encourage anyone who suspects a wildfire that is not indicated on our app to report it to 310-FIRE.

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.

EWF021 was detected today and is located in Marlboro. The fire is now classified as under control and estimated to be 8.72 ha in size. Firefighters are on scene extinguishing the wildfire.

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. Peers Area residents evacuated from Township Road 544 can return to their residences. The wildfire did not see very much wildfire behaviour today and no new growth was recorded. A water truck and nine firefighters are associated to this fire.

WCU001 was detected on April 29 and is burning out of control, located approximately 9 km southeast of Evansburg. AB Wildfire is assisting Parkland County. Airtankers worked today along the west and northwest side of the wildfire. Alberta Wildfire also has three helicopters and three dozers assigned to the wildfire. The estimated size is currently 330 ha.

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

AB Wildfire, Parkland County and Yellowhead County are currently responding to multiple wildfires. For more information, visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires and their stats on the wildfire dashboard.

We urge everyone in this area to monitor Alberta Emergency Alert. There are evacuation orders and alerts in effect at this time. The municipalities will instruct the public regarding evacuation alerts or orders. To learn more, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx

The Yellowhead County evacuation order is currently in place for the affected areas in Yellowhead County. The evacuation order will remain until it is determined that residents can safely return to their homes and there is no risk to residents and other infrastructure.

The Wildwood and Lobstick evacuation zone has been expanded to include the hamlet of Wildwood, as well as areas south of Highway 16, and also north of Chip Lake to Range Road 103 up to Township Road 554. There have now been over 1,100 residents affected by the evacuation. Due to the expansion of the evacuation zone, the reception centre has moved from Wildwood to Edson. Anyone who has evacuated is reminded to register at the reception centre (1021 49 St. in Edson) or call 1-833-334-4630.

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 23 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 60 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 266 wildfires burning a total of 908 ha.

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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