Edson Area Update (257)

A Fire Advisory remains in effect for the Edson Forest 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.

EWF015 is currently burning out of control 3.5 km north east of Peers.

ACTIVE WILDFIRES

EWF015 was detected today and is located 3.5 km north east of Peers. It is currently burning out of control and estimated to be 7.0 ha in size.

Both AB Wildfire and Yellowhead County are on site. AB Wildfire has 20 firefighters, three pieces of heavy equipment and two helicopters currently working on the wildfire. Five airtankers are also working on containing the wildfire and protecting structures in the area.

To learn more about the classification of wildfires, please click here. The cause of the wildfire will be under investigation.

MESSAGE FROM YELLOWHEAD COUNTY

There is limited access to the area and residents in the affected area of Township Road 544 are are being evacuated. Yellowhead County Fire Department is applying structural protection to buildings near the fire. Yellowhead County is working with Alberta Wildfire in firefighting efforts. For updates from Yellowhead County, please visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yellowheadcounty

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area remains HIGH due to dry vegetation, less 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 15 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 11.62 ha.

Wildfires occasionally happen during winter conditions, be aware of your surroundings and ensure you always have sufficient firefighting equipment in case your fire escapes.

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 212 wildfires burning a total of 669 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.

HAZARD REDUCTION BURNING

Wildfire firefighters and specialists will be burning areas of dry grass in high risk areas. These locations may include but aren't limited to:

Bryan Creek Coal Seam (near Robb)
Tie Camp (RC Flyers near Hinton)
Jarvis Flats (Hay River Road north of Hinton)

Burning is an efficient way to remove extremely flammable fire fuel. Trained firefighters conduct these burns under specific weather conditions to ensure the fires are controlled and to minimize the impact of smoke to roadways and communities.

To learn more about hazard reduction burning, view our pamphlet by clicking here.

If you have any questions about these hazard reduction burns, contact Wildfire Information Officer - Caroline Charbonneau 780-740-1341.

BEFORE YOUR BURN IT, GET YOUR PERMIT

Fire season officially started March 1 and all existing burns must have a valid a fire permit, with the exception of a campfire, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

To request your free fire permit, contact the local forest area: (780) 723-8527 or you can request your permit using the online fire permit portal.

We ask that you plan ahead, a forest officer will most likely need to visit your site. For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video by clicking here.

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.
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