Be advised that strong gusty winds are expected again today and into the weekend. Ensure you adhere to your fire permit and do not burn in windy conditions.
We ask hunters and recreationalists to make sure they fully extinguish their cooking and warming fires once done by soaking the ashes, stirring them and soaking them again until they're cool to the touch.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
No matter the temperature, wildfires can catch easily and burn quickly in these dry windy conditions. Do your part and learn how you can prevent wildfires.
EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING
The wildfire danger is now overall MODERATE in the Edson Forest Area. To view tomorrows' fire danger forecast map, click here.
WIND WARNING IN EFFECT
There have been three wildfires in the past 24 hours caused by the strong winds. We are urging members of the public and industry to pay close attention when working or recreating in the outdoors.
The forest area is expecting another significant wind event for today and into the weekend. Winds southwest 50km/h gusting up to 70 km/h are anticipated to start today, especially in wind prone areas.
Ensure you adhere to your fire permit and never burn or have a fire during windy conditions. Any embers from your burn could easily land in nearby dry vegetation and start a wildfire. The conditions are perfect for the vegetation to catch easily and burn quickly, making it difficult to get under control.
If you are working or recreating outdoors, ensure you keep sufficient firefighting equipment if you are producing any spark, hot exhaust or friction and keep watch of your surroundings.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022, there have been 104 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 59 ha.
EWF098 was detected on Oct 17 and is now classified as under control. The fire is located 26 km north of Edson and estimated to be 4.8 ha in size. The wildfire is currently under investigation.
EWF075 was detected on Aug 21 and is classified as under control, which means that the fire is fully contained and will be extinguished. The fire is located approximately 24 km southwest of Grande Cache in Willmore Wilderness Park and firefighters can only access it by helicopter. It's estimated to be 4.0 ha in size. The fire was determined to be caused by lightning.
These wildfires do not threaten any community at this time. To learn more about the classification of wildfires, please click here.
To view the wildfires on a map, check out the new wildfire dashboard. It provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the province, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 1,235 wildfires burning a total of 153,084 ha.
COOKING & WARMING FIRES
Cooking and warming fires are common this time of year and firefighters often find unattended or abandoned fires each year. If you're having a warming fire during your hunt, please be familiar with building it and proper extinguishment.
Use an existing fire receptacle if possible, otherwise, choose a location that's on level ground, sheltered from the wind and is on bare mineral soil. If you build your fire on peat or top soil, you risk creating a deep burning fire that could be challenging to extinguish. Keep it away from dry grass, leaves or branches and keep water close by.
Before you leave, ensure you fully extinguished the fire, otherwise it could smoulder under ground for days or even weeks and re-surface when the conditions are right for a wildfire. Your fire isn't fully extinguished until the burnt wood and ashes are cool to the touch.
To learn more about campfire safety, visit our website by clicking here.
FIRE PERMITS
Wildfire season in Alberta is from March 1 until October 31. During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire. To request your free fire permit, contact the local forest area: (780) 723-8527 or you can request your permit using the new, convenient 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.
CHETAMON WILDFIRE - JASPER NATIONAL PARK
For information on this wildfire, view updates from Jasper National Park on social media by clicking here or subscribe to their information bulletin 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.
- Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
For more information, please contact:
