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Very High wildfire danger
The fire danger remains very high which means that in the event of a wildfire, firefighters are expecting to see an increase in fire behavior. Dry grass and vegetation will catch easily and burn quickly. The fire danger is based on the Canadian Fire Weather Index (FWI) System and is a widely used tool that provides a numerical rating of the potential fire intensity in forested areas. It gives firefighters a better picture of how likely a forest fire is to start, spread, and how intense it could be.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Fire restriction
A fire restriction is in effect for the central region of the Forest Protection Area.
Prohibited
- Outdoor wood fires on public lands including backcountry and random camping areas
- Any burning, other than a campfire on private land
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Safe wood campfires on private land including provincial campgrounds with a designated fire ring
- Backyard firepits
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve or further escalation is required. To learn more, visit albertafirebans.ca.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, there have been 20 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 14.27 hectares (ha). Alberta Wildfire responded to 4 wildfires in our forest area this afternoon. All of the wildfires are now extinguished thanks to the quick response of Alberta Wildfire and Yellowhead County firefighters.
Firefighters often respond to "hot work" wildfires this time year, which can include lawnmowers, welders and grinders causing sparks or machinery producing hot exhaust or friction. We urge the public and industry to keep watch of their surroundings and keep sufficient water and firefighting equipment nearby when working or recreating outdoors. If you accidently start a wildfire, contact 310-FIRE as soon as possible to allow firefighters time to respond and assist in extinguishing the fire.
Learn more about wildfire status and view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.
EWF018 is now extinguished thanks to the quick work from our firefighters (May 3, 2025).
Prevent spring wildfires
As we continue to experience warm temperatures the grass and other vegetation dries out becoming highly flammable. We are urging everyone to use caution when working or recreating outdoors.
- When operating off-highway vehicles (OHVs) you should stop often to remove debris from hot spots on your vehicle.
- Avoid parking on tall grass as the heat from your vehicle’s muffler can ignite dry vegetation.
- Use equipment safely by keeping spark-producing machines away from dry grass.
- When using farming equipment make sure that you clean debris from hot spots regularly. Always carry sufficient water and firefighting tools such as a shovel, pail, and extinguisher.
- We encourage any landowners who have done burning over the winter and that have had past fire permits to revisit the burn location to ensure these fires are fully extinguished.
You can watch our video on how to prevent spring wildfires.
Firefighter training north of Hinton
The Hinton Training Centre is conducting yearly seasonal firefighter training on May 7 and May 16, 2025. Members of the public may notice an increase of helicopter activity and possible smoke in the RC Flyers/Ty Camp area north east of Hinton.
Campfire safety
We urge everyone to use caution and be responsible when having a campfire. Conditions are dry, and it only takes one stray ember to land in nearby dry vegetation to ignite a wildfire. Keep campfires small and contained, never leave your campfire unattended and always fully extinguish your campfire by soaking the ashes, stirring them and soaking them again. If you find an unattended campfire, please report it to 310-FIRE. Firefighters will visit the area and ensure that the fire is fully extinguished.
Learn more on campfire safety, how to choose your campfire site, prepare your campfire and properly extinguish it when you are done.
Fire permits
Alberta’s wildfire season starts on March 1. This means that fire permits are now required for burning within the Forest Protection Area, except campfires. Under the fire restriction all permits are suspended or cancelled, and no new permits will be issued.
Contact info
Caroline Charbonneau
780-740-1341
[email protected]
Published on May 3, 2025 6:03 pm