A Fire Advisory remains 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.
Helicopters are assisting WCU002 which continues to burn out of control (May 1, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.).
ACTIVE WILDFIRES
WCU002 was detected on the evening of April 29 and is located on both sides of Highway 22, 3 km north of Highway 16. WCU002 is a mutual aid wildfire on the east side of Hwy 22, EWF017 was located on the west side of Hwy 22, they are now combined. The wildfire is burning out of control and currently moving towards the west-northwest. 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.
Today, both Yellowhead County and AB Wildfire worked together to contain the spread of the wildfire. A total of 13 pieces of heavy equipment and six helicopters assisted 75 firefighters. Two heavy helicopters bucketed on the south side of the wildfire today. Airtankers were available upon request.
The fire behaviour today was less active then yesterday, majority of the burning occurred within the perimeter and did not grow much further to the north or the south. Firefighters have completed containment lines nearly all the way around the perimeter except for a small portion of the southeast side of the fire.
The winds are expected to increase overnight from the north, possibly pushing the fire towards the south and lighten in the morning. Winds may shift from the southeast pushing the fire towards the north in the afternoon.
Our forest area is expecting dry lighting again tomorrow, we encourage anyone who suspects they see a wildfire that is not indicated on our app to report it to 310-FIRE.
Information officer Melissa will be at the Niton Junction gas stations until dark this evening. Feel free to visit her with any questions regarding the wildfire.
An information station has been set up at the Niton Junction gas stations.
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 being held 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.
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 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 22 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 260 wildfires burning a total of 867 ha.
A fire advisory remains in effect for the Edson Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to an abundance of dry fine fuels and expected warm temperatures. Dry grass and crops are very hazardous and will ignite easily. Use extreme caution when working and recreating outdoors.
Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits are still valid but may be suspended or cancelled if dry conditions continue
- Fire permits will still be issued on a case by case basis
Prohibited:
- Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited
The fire advisory 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
- Subscribe to the Edson Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.
- Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple and Android device.
- Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
For more information, please contact:
