Wildfire season is from March 1 - October 31. Fire permits are required for all burning, with the exception of a campfire in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta during wildfire season.
We urge everyone who conducted burning projects this winter to return and ensure the piles are fully extinguished. Scan the ashes by looking, smelling and carefully feeling with your bare hand for any signs of smoke or heat.
Firefighters are currently being tested and trained in preparation for the season. 300 firefighters and 400 support members will be joining our team in the coming months.
WILDFIRE INFORMATION SURVEY
Alberta Wildfire is looking for your input! We want to know what information is important to you and how we can best deliver it. Please take the time to fill out this short survey regarding how you receive wildfire information to help ensure we are delivering the information that matters to Albertans.
Link to survey: https://your.alberta.ca/wildfire-information-survey/survey_tools/alberta-wildfire-information.
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.
If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire will be considered a wildfire. Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape and help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to reported smoke.
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, there may be delays for a forest officer to visit your site. For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video by clicking here.
CHECK YOUR WINTER BURNS
Remember to revisit all fall and winter burn piles throughout the spring. When checking your winter burns, spread around any remaining debris so you can probe the area for hotspots. If you see or smell smoke or feel heat with your bare hand, the fire is still burning. Douse any remaining hotspots with water and stir up the ashes. A fire is not out until there is absolutely no heat emanating from the ashes. If fires aren’t properly put out, they can spread and burn underground or under the snow and ice. Under the right conditions, these fires can re-emerge in the spring as wildfires.
For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video by clicking here or see our Fire Permits - Safe Burning Practices information pamphlet.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2023, there have been four wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 1.66 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 16 wildfires burning a total 3.29 ha.
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:
