The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area remains moderate due to recent precipitation and cooler temperatures. Dead and dry vegetation can still ignite easily, and wind can cause a wildfire to spread quickly, even on a cool day. Please continue to use caution with any activity that could produce sparks or heat.
Wildfire situation
There are currently no active wildfires in the Edson Forest Area. Since January 1, there have been 57 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 26 hectares (ha). For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Join Forestry at a nearby event
Join Alberta Forestry to learn about wildfire prevention, operations and FireSmart recommendations. Stay tuned for more upcoming events.
- FireSmart Curbside Info Sessions:
- Bear Lake boat launch on October 1 from 5-7 pm
- Two River Estates at the end of the cul-de-sac on October 2 from 5-7 pm
- Obed at the end of Twp Road 531 on October 3 from 12-2 pm
- Carldale at the end of the cul-de-sac on October 3 from 3-5 pm
- Victor Lake at the Kikinow Lodge on October 10 from 11 am - 1 pm
- Kamisak at the day use area on October 10 from 2-4 pm
- Susa Creek at the Susa Creek School on October 10 from 5-7 pm
- Fire Prevention Week Open Houses:
- Yellowhead County Fire Department at the Evansburg Fire Station on October 4 from 10-2 pm
- Edson Fire Department at the Edson Fire Hall on October 7 from 6-8 pm
Cooking and warming fires
If you are planning on having a cooking and warming fire while recreating, ensure that it is fully extinguished before leaving the site. The forest area detects an increase in these types of fires this time of year caused unintentionally by recreationalists.
Ensure you build your fire on bare mineral soil, away from dead and dry grass. If not properly extinguished, the fire can spread even when the temperatures are below zero. An unextinguished campfire can burn deep into the soil where it can smoulder for long periods of time and resurface. This is common especially in the afternoon when temperatures increase and the frost or snow melts.
Fall FireSmart and harvesting
Fall is a great time to complete FireSmart work around your home. Clear leaves, needles and twigs from roofs, gutters, decks and beneath stairs. Keep grass and weeds cut short, remove dead vegetation and fallen branches, and prune evergreen branches up to two metres from the ground. Move firewood, lumber and other combustible materials at least 10 metres away from your home.
Completing this work now will help prepare your property for spring, when dry vegetation and windy conditions can increase the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly. A little fall cleanup can make your home and property more resilient to wildfire and leave you with fewer tasks when the snow melts.
For harvesting operations, you should inspect equipment regularly, keep moving parts lubricated, check fluid levels and carry a fire extinguisher, shovel and sufficient water. Avoid higher-risk activities during peak burning hours, around 2-5 pm. Hay baled with too much moisture can heat up during storage and potentially ignite without an outside spark. Check newly stored bales for unusual heat or a burning smell, and call 310 FIRE if you suspect a fire. You can learn more in the FireSmart Farm and Acreage guide.
If you’re going to burn it, get a permit
Fire permits are required for all burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta until October 31, with the exception of campfires. To request your free fire permit, contact the local forest area at 780-723-8527 or you can request your permit online.
Contact info
Caroline Charbonneau
780-740-1341
[email protected]
Published on September 29, 2026 2:42 pm