Help keep Alberta's forest safe and ensure you fully extinguish your campfire. Soak the ashes, stir them and soak them again until they're cool to the touch. Never leave your campfire unattended.
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.
Crews worked on EWF075 today and established containment line using water and hand tools. The wet line is very noticeable in the spot fire to the right, where the ash turns black when wet.
EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING
The wildfire danger remains LOW due to cooler daytime temperatures and recent precipitation in the Edson Forest Area. To view the fire danger forecast map, click here.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022, there have been 77 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 45.32 ha.
NEW WILDFIRE DETECTIONS
EWF075 was reported by a member of the public yesterday and continues to burn out of control approximately 24 km southwest of Grande Cache. The fire was re-assessed and is now estimated to be 4.0 ha in size. Members of the public in the Grande Cache area may notice smoke coming from the Smoky River valley.
Yesterday, firefighting crews worked with two helicopters to build access for firefighters to reach the wildfire. Two airtankers worked to establish a containment line (red stain in photo above). Later that night, a special night operation helicopter worked to bucket water on the wildfire. The pilot and a staff member have night vision goggles that amplify light 60,000 times, which allows them to see flames and drop suppressant or water on the wildfire. AB Wildfire firefighters often work during the night when the conditions allow, this is the first year we've tested air operation firefighting during the night.
Today, 18 firefighters from the Edson Unit Crew worked with one helicopter to build containment line and extinguish flames and hotspots. The crew will return tomorrow and continue to work towards extinguishing this fire.
EWF077 was reported today and is now classified as being held. The wildfire is located 70 km northeast of Grande Cache. It is currently estimated to be 0.1 ha in size.
There are currently eight firefighters and two helicopters working to extinguish this wildfire.
These wildfires do not threaten any community at this time and were 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 934 wildfires burning a total of 116,342 ha.
FIRESMART VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN ROBB & CADOMIN
Be advised that AB Wildfire crews will be working in the Robb and Cadomin area starting August 17 until the end of August. The crews will be pruning, thinning and doing general clean up and maintenance of existing FireSmart vegetation blocks. Firefighters will possibly be doing some pile burning so residents may see or smell smoke in the area.
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.
For more information, please contact:
