Smoke is in the air
Plumes of smoke are visible from a wildfire in the Maligne Valley of Jasper National Park and a wildfire just across the BC border in Kakwa Provincial Park. Smoke may start to drift into the Edson WMA. Anyone with health concerns should check the Alberta Health Services website or call 8-1-1 for 24/7. Also check Wildfire Smoke Forecasts for Western Canada for a smoke forecast map.
Wildfire hazard
The wildfire hazard is EXTREME for the Edson Wildfire Management Area (EWMA). Conditions are very dry across the EWMA. Moderate westerly winds will persist for one more day.
Todays forecast is calling for cross-over conditions which means that the relative humidiy @ 20% today is less that the temperature of 31C. Under these conditions a wildfire can start easily,spread quickly from the ground up to the tree tops (crowns) and burn intensely making it difficult for our firefighters to suppress.
Please be cautious while out enjoying our forests and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
EWMA Wildfires July 9 1:30 pm
Pinto Creek Complex:
The fireguards along the flanks of both these wildfires - one in the north and the other in the southern part of Pinto Creek Canyon Natural Area - are holding well. Currently there are 44 firefighters, two helicopters and about 15 pieces of heavy equipment (water trucks, dozers, skidders) working both wildfires in this complex.
EWF-061 is being held at 92.6 hectares in size. Given current weather conditions and firefighting resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
EWF-062 is classified as out of control at 232 hectares in size.
Rockslide Creek Wildfire in Willmore Wilderness Park is under control at 12,054 hectares in size. We continue to patrol this wildfire daily.
Due to warmer temperatures and no substantial amount of rain in the forecast, the FIRE ADVISORY in the Edson WMA remains in effect. Existing permits for heavy fuels (machine piled brush piles and windrows) are cancelled and no permits will be issued until conditions improve. Existing permits for burn barrels and smudges will be allowed but remember to check and follow conditions of your permit. Safe campfires are allowed in backyards, campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas.
By abiding by the fire advisory you help keep our firefighters free to battle existing wildfires and any new wildfires that may start.
Check www.albertafirebans.ca for up to date information on the fire advisory in EWMA as well as other jurisdictions.
Please remember to make sure your campfire is completely out before you turn in for the night and when you leave your campsite. Click here to learn how you can make sure your campfire is out.
Smoke concerns
Smoke from wildfires burning across western Canada may to into the Edson WMA. Anyone with health concerns should check the Alberta Health Services website or call 8-1-1 for 24/7. Also check Wildfire Smoke Forecasts for Western Canada for a smoke forecast map.
For the latest wildfire information, download the Alberta Wildfire app for Apple or Android devices.
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CURRENT WILDFIRES CURRENT FIREBANS WEATHER
Joan Simonton - Wildfire Information Officer
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
Edson Wildfire Management Area
780.712.5846 joan.simonton@gov.ab.ca