Edson Forest Area - June 01, 2025 - 11:30 am

Wildfire situation

Since January 1, there have been 39 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 1,158 hectares (ha). View active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page. 

Yellowhead County evacuation orders

Yellowhead County has issued several evacuation alerts and orders. Visit Alberta Emergency Alert or download the app for further information and instructions. You can also find more on their preparedness website. Evacuees can check in at the Reception Centre at the Holiday Inn Express in Edson or call 1-833-334-4630.  For highway closures, visit Alberta 511 for further information. 

EWF038 near Cynthia

EWF038 is located 12 km northeast of Cynthia, 10 km east of highway 753. It is 7 km north of highway 621 on the northeast corner of Sink Hole Lake. The wildfire is now estimated to be 10 ha and now classified as being held. 

Alberta Wildfire firefighters, helicopters and airtankers responded quickly yesterday. Firefighters will return today to prevent the spread and start searching for and extinguishing hotspots.

EWF036 near Peers

EWF036 is located on the south side of Peers. The wildfire started on the west side of highway 32 and crossed over onto the east side on May 29. The size is now estimated to be 761 ha in size. The wildfire remains classified as out of control and under investigation.

Alberta Wildfire firefighters, heavy equipment, helicopters and airtankers alongside Yellowhead County Fire Department continue responding to this wildfire. 

Yesterday, moderate to high fire behavior was observed until the afternoon when temperatures dropped and some precipitation fell. The fire received approximately 3 mm of rain which will keep fire activity lower today and perhaps a couple more days. This will allow more aggressive firefighting efforts, especially in areas where firefighters could not access in the past days. 

Winds today could dry out fuels quickly. A high of 15C and 35% relative humidity will help keep fuels from drying but winds from the west northwest 25-30 gusting to 55 km/h will dry fine fuels and encourage fire spread. Smoke may be visible from within the perimeter.

Firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment will work again until late into the evening. The need for airtankers will be assessed and requested if required. Yellowhead County firefighters are also continuing to assess and maintain the sprinkler protection in Peers and surrounding area, the elevated structure protection is completed and operational. They have maintained a 24 hour presence in the community.  

CN Rail's Neptune firefighting train has also been an asset in assisting with fire suppression. They worked in conjunction with YHCF and AB Wildfire in stopping the progression of the wildfire moving towards the southern perimeter of Peers and maintaining their line. They're currently stationed on the south of Peers and ready to action when needed. 

Smoke can be seen over EWF036 this morning (June 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.). Recent precipitation will allow for better firefighting efforts (June 1, 2025).

EWF030 Mercoal Creek Wildfire 

EWF030 is located 6 km west of Mercoal and 16 km southwest of Robb. The wildfire escaped the perimeter yesterday and is now classified as out of control and estimated to be 400 ha. This wildfire was caused by lightning. 

This wildfire demonstrated extreme fire behavior yesterday afternoon and smoke could be seen from a far distance. By late afternoon, the temperatures dropped significantly and the fire received hail and snow, dampening the fire behavior. 

Today, firefighters, water trucks and heavy equipment will be searching for and extinguishing hotspots, which often involves digging deep into the ground and dousing the smoldering fire with water.

Snow fell on EWF030 yesterday, reducing fire behavior (June 1, 2025).

FireSmart your home, farm and acreage

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.

Visit FireSmart Alberta for information on how to get your journey started. 

Contact info

Caroline Charbonneau
780-740-1341
[email protected]