Edson Forest Area

Edson Forest Area - September 24, 2026

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.

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. 

Harvesting operations 

To help prevent wildfires, inspect equipment regularly for wear, keep moving parts lubricated and check fluid levels to help prevent sparks and overheating. Give machinery time to cool on hot days, and carry a fire extinguisher, shovel and sufficient water.

Hay baled with too much moisture can heat up inside as it is stored and, in some cases, 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. 

When possible, carry out activities that have a higher risk of starting a wildfire outside of peak burning hours, which is around 2–5 pm this time of year. A wildfire may spread more quickly during that time period.

For more information on proactive measures you can take to prevent wildfires from starting on your property, check out the FireSmart Farm and Acreage magazine.

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
• Fire Prevention Week Open House hosted by the Yellowhead County Fire Department in Evansburg on October 4 from 10 am to 2 pm

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.