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Very High wildfire danger
The fire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now very high. A wildfire will ignite very easily in these conditions and can quickly grow out of control. High temperatures and low humidity will cause intense fire behavior. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the area that could produce strong winds. A wildfire could move quickly under those conditions.
Avoid all outdoor activities that have the potential to cause a fire from a spark, friction or hot exhaust.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, there have been 37 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 340 hectares (ha). View active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.
EWF036 near Peers
EWF036 is located less then 1 km southeast of Peers on the east and west side of highway 32. The wildfire is estimated to be 100 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 are responding to this wildfire. The wildfire crossed the highway shortly after 4:15 p.m. and was moving very quickly towards the southeast.
Firefighters will work late into the evening and heavy equipment will work through the night building containment lines surrounding the perimeter of the wildfire. They will prioritize the north side to protect the community of Peers and move towards the east and south. Once the wildfire is contained, crews will start searching for and extinguishing hotspots. These hotspots can often times burn deep into the ground and require to be dug out and doused with water.
Yellowhead County has issued an evacuation order for Peers and surrounding area. Visit the Alberta Emergency Alert or download the app for information or visit their social media page - Yellowhead County Facebook.
For highway closures, visit Alberta 511 for further information.
Alberta Wildfire firefighters, airtankers and heavy equipment are responding alongside Yellowhead County Fire Dept to EWF036 (May 29, 2025).
Fire behavior has diminished on EWF036 (May 29, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.).
EWF037 near Bear Lake
Alberta Wildfire firefighters and helicopters responded to EWF037 located 1.5 km north of highway 748 and 5 km east of Bear Lake. The wildfire was 1 ha in size and now classified as extinguished.
Mercoal Creek Wildfire (EWF030)
EWF030 is located 6 km west of Mercoal and 16 km southwest of Robb. The wildfire is now classified as being held and estimated to be 224 ha. This wildfire was caused by lightning.
Firefighters will continue working to contain the wildfire with the assistance of water trucks. They're searching for and extinguishing hotspots which often involves digging deep into the ground and dousing the smoldering fire with water.
Yellowhead County has indicated that there is no evacuation order for the community of Robb or Mercoal at this time; however, having a plan and being prepared is always a good idea. More information can be found on the preparedness website.
Lightning-caused wildfires
Lightning-caused wildfires are a common natural occurrence in Alberta, making up approximately 30% of the wildfires that occur each year.
The Edson Forest Area has firefighters and equipment ready to respond for the anticipated increase in fire danger and thunderstorms in the forecast. Call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flames and suspect it's a wildfire. Learn more about how to report a wildfire.
Fire ban
A fire ban is in effect for the northern and central regions of the Forest Protection Area. 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.
Contact info
Caroline Charbonneau
780-740-1341
[email protected]
Terry Abual-Soud
780-728-2397
[email protected]
Published on May 29, 2025 9:40 pm