Edson Area Update (283)

Areas of exposed dry grass and fine fuels are still a concern and any spark, friction or hot exhaust can easily start a wildfire even when the temperatures are cooler. All campfires, regardless of their size, must be fully extinguished.

Do not burn in windy conditions and always adhere to the conditions of your permit. Dry grass and fine debris can catch easily and burn very quickly. Any spark, friction or hot exhaust can easily start a wildfire.

If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

Be cautious when working or recreating near dry grass. It can catch easily and will burn quickly.

CHETAMON WILDFIRE - JASPER NATIONAL PARK

A message from Parks Canada

The wildfire is located approximately 15 km north of Jasper townsite at high elevation. The wildfire status changed to "being held". With current weather conditions and resources, the Chetamon wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries and no communities are threatened by this wildfire.

The Chetamon wildfire is approximately 6000 hectares.

Parks Canada's first priority is the safety of people, personnel and critical infrastructure in Jasper and in Brule. The Chetamon wildfire is approximately 15 km away from Brule. The fire is being closely monitored, and there will be updates if there are significant changes in the wildfire activity.

For more 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.

For any updates related to the Town of Jasper please visit www.jasper-alberta.com or their Facebook page by clicking here.

For information related to Yellowhead County updates please visit yhcounty.ca or their Facebook page by clicking here.

Residents may notice smoke in the area. To see the wildfire smoke forecast, visit firesmoke.ca. If you have smoke-related health concerns, contact Alberta Health Services by calling 811.

For road access updates call 5-1-1 or visit 511 Alberta.

EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger is now overall VERY HIGH in the Edson Forest Area. To view the fire danger forecast map, click here.

fire advisory wide

A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area due to current and forecasted weather conditions. Fine fuels and woody debris are very dry and can ignite easily. Use extreme caution when working or recreating outdoors. Existing permits are still valid and new permits will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The public and residents in the Edson Forest Area can continue to use a fire pit, charcoal briquettes on a barbecue, or a safe campfire and recreational off-highway vehicles.

*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

a) be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;

b) have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;

c) have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire.

The fire advisory will remain in place until conditions improve.

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022, there have been 89 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 47 ha.

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.

This wildfire does not threaten any community at this time and was determined to be caused by lightning. 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 1,107 wildfires burning a total of 143,425 ha.

FARM SAFETY

Grass fires are common this time of year. Firefighters want to remind everyone that conditions are extremely dry and any spark could easily ignite a fire.

When using any type of machinery including farm equipment and off-highway vehicles take the following precautions:

Clear debris from moving parts.

Check your muffler.

Keep the equipment in good repair.

Avoid operating equipment in tall grass.
Keep watch of your surroundings.

Always carry firefighting equipment on board, a fire extinguisher, axe, shovel and a receptacle filled with at least five litres of water.

FIRESMART EDUCATION PROGRAMS

People living in forested areas need to be aware of the threat of wildfire, and actions they can take to make their homes and neighbourhoods FireSmart.

FireSmart Canada has developed educational programs to help homeowners get started. To learn more about these tools and programs, visit their website: firesmartcanada.ca/programs/.

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.

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.