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Extreme wildfire danger
The fire danger remains extreme. The forest vegetation is extremely dry and pose a very serious fire risk. Fast-spreading, high-intensity fires are likely, which will make firefighting challenging.
We urge residents, members of the public and industry to use extreme caution until conditions improve. Wildfires are most active between 11 am and 9 pm. Plan any activities that could create a spark, hot exhaust or friction late in the evening or early in the morning. Keep watch of your surroundings and carry sufficient firefighting equipment and water if you are working outdoors.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, there have been 45 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 1,086 hectares (ha).
View active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the interactive map on our wildfire status page. Wildfires are regularly assessed by experts and assigned a status to describe the behaviour of the wildfire, and how it is responding to suppression efforts under current and expected conditions. Visit our website to learn more.
Peers wildfire information open house
Join Alberta Wildfire and Yellowhead County Fire Department at the Peers Multiplex anytime between 4 - 7 pm on Wednesday June 11. Wildfire updates, FireSmart and general information will be available for community members.
Responding to new wildfires
The forest area has firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment ready to respond for the increase in fire danger and new wildfire starts. Call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flames and suspect it's a wildfire. Learn more about how to report a wildfire. The sooner you report it, the quicker our crews can respond.
EWF038 near Cynthia
EWF038 is located 12 km northeast of Cynthia and 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 estimated to be 10 ha and classified as under control. Firefighter efforts have been successful and we don't expect this fire to grow. They continue searching for and extinguishing hot spots.
Yellowhead Wildfire Complex | EWF030, EWF036
EWF036 January Creek Wildfire
EWF036 is located on the south side of Peers on both sides of Highway 32. The size is estimated to be 738 ha and remains classified as out of control. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.
Flare ups occurred yesterday on the northwest and northeast side of the wildfire. An island of unburnt vegetation and trees ignited on the northeast of January Creek, creating a column of smoke. This island is now fully wrapped with hose and firefighters worked on knocking down the flames and hot spots.
The wildfire escaped on the northwest perimeter yesterday afternoon, an increase of 3 ha is estimated. Airtankers were dispatched to assist with knocking down the flames to prevent further spread of the wildfire. Heavy equipment and firefighters with water and hose successfully established containment around the new section and are working their way in from the perimeter extinguishing hot spots. Canadian National Railway also assisted with their specially equipped firefighting train, Neptune. The train has high volume water devices, able to reduce flames from a distance.
Aerial heat scans were conducted in the past week and crews have been working on priority hot spots. The majority of the heat was located in the interior of the wildfire perimeter on the northeast and southwest of the wildfire. Additional heat scans are planned for the following days to help focus firefighting efforts. Firefighters will continue to work along and within the perimeter, securing and re-enforcing the containment lines surrounding the wildfire. This process, called mop up, can take several days and sometimes weeks, depending on how many hot spots are found and how deeply they are burning in the ground.
Today, the area expects to see a high of 24C with 20% relative humidity and winds from the southeast 10-15 km/h, becoming west around 1 pm and shifting again from the northwest 25 gusting to 45 km/h. Trace amounts of rain is anticipated on Monday, significant rain is in the forecast for later in the week. Smoke will be visible from within the fire perimeter.
Firefighters will assess conditions and request airtankers if needed. Fire crews will be on scene and ready to respond if an increase in fire behaviour does occur.
Water trucks and tenders are an essential part of the team. They can provide water to firefighters when water isn't readily available (June 7, 2025 EWF036).
EWF030 Mercoal Creek Wildfire
EWF030 is located 6 km west of Mercoal and 16 km southwest of Robb. The wildfire is estimated to be 320 ha in size and determined to be caused by lightning.
The wildfire is now classified as under control which means that firefighting efforts were successful and there is no risk that the fire will spread. No hot spots were found during the last aerial heat scan, firefighters will monitor regularly for any activity and action the fire if there is any.
Evacuations and road closures
Visit Alberta Emergency Alert or download the app for information on current evacuation orders or alerts. You can also find information on wildfire preparedness on our website. For highway closures, visit Alberta 511.
Safety near burnt areas
We urge residents and members of the public to use extra caution near burnt areas. There are many hazards that may not be visible, like deep burning ash pits and falling trees. Burnt trees are a serious hazard, and trees that may look healthy that have green needles or leaves could have burnt out roots under the ground and fall unexpectedly. Keep in mind that trees and powerlines could also fall on the road and block your vehicle. Do not approach powerlines as they could be energized.
Fire ban
A fire ban is in effect for the entire Forest Protection Area in Alberta. Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited and existing fire permits are suspended.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public and private land, designated firepits and backyard firepits
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to see the boundaries. See the fire ban fact sheet for more information.
Contact info
Caroline Charbonneau
780-740-1341
[email protected]
Published on June 9, 2025 1:29 pm