The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now moderate due to exposed dead and dry vegetation and forecasted strong winds. While cooler conditions reduce overall risk, wildfires can still start at any time of year when conditions are dry, windy, and snow levels begin to melt.
If you are burning piles this winter, monitor your surroundings, stay aware of weather conditions, and never burn more than you can safely manage. Once your project is complete, return to your burn site often to ensure it's fully extinguished.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, there have been 64 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 27 hectares (ha). For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
In the Edson Forest Area, human-caused wildfires (62) accounted for 97% of the 64 wildfires, burning a total of 27.66 ha. Lightning (2) caused the remaining 3%, burning 0.04 ha.
Wind warning
Today, strong winds are forecasted to come from the west starting this evening, gusting up to 90 km/h and possibly through the weekend. As a reminder, if the wind is gusting over 15 km/h we recommend that you extinguish your burn and monitor your project as needed to ensure it does not escape. If you see any smoke or flame in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473). At this time of year we rely heavily on public reporting. Thank you for doing your part so that firefighters can action these fires quickly.
Safe winter burning
As of November 1, fire permits are no longer required in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. However, wildfires can start any time of year when conditions are windy and dry. It's the land owner or industry representative's responsibility to ensure safe burning practices are followed to prevent human-caused wildfires.
- At least 15 cm of snow on the ground before taking on a burning project.
- Wind speeds of less than 15 km/h will lessen the chances of embers flying into nearby dry vegetation
- Avoid burning when an inversion is forecasted. Inversions happen when cold air is trapped below a layer of warm air. It causes smoke to stay close to the ground, impacting visibility and possibly causing smoke-related health concerns.
- Residents within town limits planning to conduct a burn should contact their local municipality, as permit or notification requirements may still apply.
- You can also learn more on how to prevent spring wildfires.
To assist the Edson Forest Area, please let us know if you plan any large scale winter burning. Reporting large scale burning can help prevent dispatching our firefighters to non-emergency fires, especially if they can be seen from major transportation corridors. Contact the radio room line directly (780) 723-8507 (leave a message if closed) with the following:
- Name of landowner burning or company and representative name
- Phone number in case of emergency
- Legal land description or latitude/longitude
- Description of the material being burnt
FireSmart vegetation maintenance open house in Robb
Join Alberta Forestry on November 13 from 4 - 7 pm at the Robb Multiplex to learn more about the FireSmart vegetation maintenance anticipated to begin in December 2026. Alberta Forestry is planning on conducting vegetation maintenance on existing FireSmart fuel breaks west and northwest of Robb. This project will help reduce the risk of wildfire spreading from the community. The area is 12 ha in size, was established in 2006 and will be mostly mulched to remove the re-growth. The work is expected to be completed by April 2027.
Alberta Wildfire recruitment
A career with Alberta Wildfire is about more than fighting wildfires. Each season, we hire people with a wide range of skills, experience and backgrounds to support wildfire operations across the province. You can explore current and upcoming opportunities on the Alberta Wildfire recruitment webpage or visit us at one of the open houses in the province. Meet the people behind our firefighting and support roles, ask questions and get hands-on with equipment used on the fireline. These info sessions are from 4 - 7 pm.
- Robb Multiplex on November 13
- Edson Galloway Museum on November 18
- Hinton Recreation Centre on November 19
- Evansburg Arena on November 20
Cooking and warming fires
Each fall, the forest area sees an increase in wildfires unintentionally caused by recreational fires that have not been fully extinguished. Build fires on bare mineral soil and away from dead, dry vegetation, and always extinguish them completely before leaving the site. Even when temperatures fall below freezing, a fire can continue to smoulder deep in the ground for extended periods and resurface when afternoon temperatures rise and frost or snow melts. Cool weather can be deceiving—if your fire is not fully extinguished, it can still start a wildfire.
Tree cutting permits for personal use
Personal Use Forest Products Permits (PUFPP) are for small-scale personal use only (no resale) for Christmas trees, firewood or transplants. PUFPP authorize Albertans to cut and removed timber from designated Crown land only. Maps are available to help you find a suitable location. Permits can be requested online or in person at your local Forestry office.
Contact info
Caroline Charbonneau
780-740-1341
[email protected]
Published on November 6, 2026 3:33 pm