Be advised that strong winds 30 km/h gusting to 50 are expected through the night and into tomorrow.
Ensure you use caution when working and recreating outdoors. Use extreme care if welding, grinding or other hot works that can cause a spark, friction or hot exhaust. Make sure you keep a close eye on off-highway vehicles for buildups that can smoulder and catch fire.
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.
Alberta Wildfire is responding to EWF039 (May 30, 2024).
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 39 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 82 hectares (ha). The fire danger remains MODERATE. Under these conditions, creeping or gentle surface fire is likely.
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.
ACTIVE WILDFIRES IN THE EDSON FOREST AREA
EWF039 is located 15 km north of highway 16, 31 km west northwest of Edson, south of Sundance Lakes. The wildfire is currently burning out of control and estimated to be two hectares in size. There are 19 firefighters on site containing the fire. One water truck and a skidder is en route.
Tomorrow, 19 firefighters and heavy equipment will begin searching for and extinguishing hotspots until the fire is completely extinguished.
Visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the wildfire dashboard.
Mayberne Tower detected smoke from EWF039 today (May 30, 2024). There are 10 active lookout sites in the Edson Forest Area and over 100 across the province. These are often set upon towers or above cabins located on mountain tops.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
As of May 29, the wildfire danger is low across most of the northern and central boreal with the exception of high to very high in the northwest, moderate to high from the Lac la Biche forest area to the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and very high to extreme in the southeast.
There have been seven new wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Of these wildfires, one is classified as out of control and six have been extinguished.
There are currently 26 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, one is classified as out of control, two are classified as being held and 23 are under control.
There are 17 carryover wildfires from the 2023 season. One has been extinguished since our last report.
Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 386 wildfires burning a total of 27,973 ha.
Last year, on this date, there was 553 wildfires that burnt a total of 1,460,075 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 427 wildfires burnt an average of 440,423 ha.
Visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the wildfire dashboard.
SAFE CAMPFIRES
As the weather gets better and more of us head into the woods for some rest and relaxation please make sure you NEVER LEAVE A CAMPFIRE UNATTENDED.
Here are a few tips that will help ensure a safe campfire:
- Never leave your campfire unattended. Before you leave your campfire, ensure you fully extinguish it by soaking the ashes, stirring them and soaking them again until they are cool to the touch.
- Choose a safe site that is out of the wind and on bare mineral ground. Ensure that sparks can't fly into nearby dry fuels or grass. A spark will fly farther then you think.
- Ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment including water near by. Don't take chances. A spark in dry grass will ignite easily and spread very quickly if the wind is present.
- Remember to visit albertafirebans.ca before heading out to find the latest information about fire bans across the province.
Alberta Wildfire typically sees an increase in human-caused wildfires during the spring and during the long weekends so do your part and prevent wildfires.
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 Canada has also developed a FREE one-hour course for those who are getting started with FireSmart. Click here to learn more. To learn more on how you can protect your home and structures from wildfire, visit firesmartcanada.ca or click here to watch videos.
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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:
