The wildfire hazard for the Edson Forest Area (EFA) is now HIGH. The hazard is expected to continue to climb with warm temperatures in the forecast for the weekend as well as the possibility of lightning.
Smoke is expected to be drifting into the Edson Forest Area from fires burning outside of the province as well as from the Blackstone prescribed fire near Nordegg (See details below). Check current smoke forecasts here.
Use caution and please call 310-FIRE (3473) if you see smoke in a forested area.
A Fire advisory has been issued for the Edson Forest Area effective 12:00 PM July 7, 2017 due to the increasing risk of wildfire ignition and spread potential.
Under this advisory, no new fire permits will be issued. Patrolmen and staff are assessing individual permits and may cancel or modify them.
Prohibited
- Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire
Allowed
- Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings) or random camping areas
- Charcoal briquettes
- Portable propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and remove debris before and after use.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Find the most current information on Fire Advisories/Restrictions/Bans throughout the province of Alberta at AlbertaFireBans.ca.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTIFICATION
The Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is expected to commence ingnition on the Blackstone Prescribed Fire northwest of Nordegg on July 7, 2017. Smoke from this fire may be visible in the Edson Forest Area. Find more details about this prescribed burn here.
WILDFIRE UPDATE
Currently, there are no wildfires burning in the Edson Forest Area. There have been a total of 54 wildfires since March 1, 2017, that have burned 13.45 hectares. Provincially, there have been 685 wildfires that have burned 2,813.90 hectares.
Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it is completely extinguished before you leave your site. Remember to soak it, stir it and soak it again. If you can still feel heat coming from the ashes it is not extinguished.
Debris falling from off-highway vehicles can start wildfires. Exhaust systems can heat up to temperatures in excess of 200 degrees - hot enough to fry an egg. Remember to stop frequently and take the time to knock debris from your machine's hotspots. If debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to ensure it's out.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Subscribe to the EFA wildfire blog and receive an email when new information is posted.
- Download the Alberta Wildfire app for Apple or Android devices.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- Visit wildfire.alberta.ca
Contact:
Melinda Paplawski
Wildfire Information Officer
Phone: (780) 933-1929
Melinda.Paplawski@gov.ab.ca
CURRENT WILDFIRES CURRENT FIREBANS WEATHER