Ensure you use caution when working and recreating outdoors. Use care if welding, grinding or other hot works that can cause a spark, friction or hot exhaust.
Sparks from your campfire can land in nearby dry vegetation causing a wildfire. If you leave your campfire unattended, it may be too late to prevent the spread of an escaped fire. Always ensure you fully extinguish your campfire before leaving.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
This update is best viewed on a web browser or the AB Wildfire Status App | To view previous Edson Forest Area Updates - Click here. Bold indicates new or important information.
Crew members pulled hose from the fire line on EWF039 last week. Hundreds of lengths of hose are often used on I wildfires. Hose lay is a common tactic where firefighters will set up their hose surrounding the fire and wetline the perimeter ensuring there's no hotspots on the outer edge. Once the fire is contained, they work their way in until the fire is extinguished. (May 31, 2024).
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
The fire danger is now LOW due to lower temperatures, higher relative humidity and recent significant precipitation. Under these conditions, fire can still ignite but is not expected to spread to deeper vegetation layers or larger fuels, such as trees. To view the forecasted fire danger map, click here.
If you are burning, ensure you follow the conditions of your permit. Recreationalists having campfires, be aware of wind conditions and ensure you have sufficient water and tools nearby.
- Never burn during windy conditions.
- Never burn more then you can control.
- Always have sufficient firefighting tools and water nearby.
- If your fire escapes, contact 310-FIRE as soon as possible to allow firefighters time to dispatch and help extinguish the fire.
WILDFIRES IN THE EDSON FOREST AREA
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 40 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 85 hectares (ha).
EWF039 is located 15 km north of highway 16, 31 km west northwest of Edson, south of Sundance Lakes. The wildfire is now classified as UNDER CONTROL and estimated to be four hectares in size. This wildfire will be monitored for activity and actioned when needed until firefighters are confident it will not re-ignite.
To learn more about wildfire classifications, click here.
Visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the wildfire dashboard.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
The fire danger is forecasted to be mainly moderate to high across the Boreal. The Rocky Mountains will be high to very high fire danger and more extreme conditions are expected outside the Forest Protection Area.
Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 401 wildfires burning a total of 27,988 ha.
Last year, on this date, there was 565 wildfires that burnt a total of 1,460,082 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 451 wildfires burnt an average of 442,882 ha.
FIRE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED
All burning within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta requires a burn permit, with the exception of campfire. You can get your free fire permit by applying online or contact your local forest area office at (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.
FIRESMART YOUR HOME
FireSmart is more than a collection of best-practices, programs, resources, and tools. FireSmart is a way of living with and managing the risk of wildfire. It is a shared responsibility between government, community leaders, neighbourhoods, and residents. Together, we can build a wildfire resilient Alberta. A FireSmart Alberta.
Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Flames aren’t the only threat. An estimated 90% of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers. By taking proactive FireSmart measures around your house and yard, you can increase your properties’ resistance to wildfire.
To learn more on how you can protect your home, visit FireSmart Alberta. For farm or acreages, you can download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS & TOOLS
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.
- If you are working within the Forest Protection of Alberta, you must carry sufficient firefighting equipment as per the Forest Prairie and Protection Act.
- For road closure information, please visit 511.alberta.ca
- For information regarding smoke in the area, you can visit firesmoke.ca
- NASA FIRMS Fire Information website is a great resource to give an idea of the location of wildfires in the area, but note that the data is based on interpolation and often can make the wildfire look larger then it actually is.
- To view the provincial wildfire danger map, click here.
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:
