Edson Forest Area

Edson Forest Area - February 27, 2026

Wildfire situation

Since January 1, there have been 3 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 0.13 hectares (ha). For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Fire season starts March 1

In Alberta, fire season isn’t about when wildfires start — fires can happen at any time of year. It’s the legal time period when a permit is required for all burning, with the exception of a campfire. During fire season, fire bans, restrictions, and advisories are tools that can be used when the risk of wildfire increases. It’s also when Alberta Forestry ramps up hiring seasonal staff, and ensure aircraft and heavy equipment contracts are in place to support wildfire response to help protect communities across the province.

Upcoming season

It’s too early to predict the 2026 wildfire season. Conditions depend on snowpack, how fast it melts, and how much rain we receive this spring. Snowfall helps, but dry conditions that were observed in the fall remain a concern. These long-term drought conditions we’ve experienced in our forest area could cause an increase in fire danger more quickly this season. 

Spring is a high-risk time for wildfires. Once snow melts, dry grass can fuel fast-moving fires during warm, dry, or windy periods. These conditions will only improve once sufficient spring rain falls and vegetation becomes green with moisture.

If you’re going to burn it, get a permit

Starting March 1, all existing burns must be fully extinguished unless you're in possession of a fire permit. All new burning will require a fire permit, with the exception of a campfire, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire will be considered a wildfire. Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape and keep our firefighters available to fight real wildfires instead of responding to reported smoke suspected to be a wildfire.

To request your free fire permit, contact the local forest area at (780) 723-8527 or you can request your permit online. We ask that you plan ahead, there may be delays for a forest officer to visit your site. For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video on brush pile burning.

Prevent spring wildfires

To prevent spring wildfires, we urge residents and industry to return to their burn piles and ensure they are fully extinguished. 

• Spread out the remaining material.
• Scan the ashes by looking, smelling and carefully feeling with a bare hand for any signs of smoke or heat from the pile.
• Soak hot spots and stir until they're completely extinguished.
• Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.
• You can also watch our video on how to prevent spring wildfires.

FireSmart Open Houses

Join Alberta Forestry and Yellowhead County Fire Department to learn how you can protect your home and property from wildfire. Enter for your chance to win a home sprinkler kit and a portable fire pit. Drop in anytime between 4-7 p.m. 

• Robb Hall - March 3
• Overlander Lodge - March 5

Community Safety & Emergency Preparedness - Grande Cache

Meet your local emergency responders, learn how to build a 72-hour kit, and discover simple steps to better protect your home and family.

Join us at 6:30 pm for brief presentations on FireSmart and Emergency Preparedness, followed by an open house opportunity to speak directly to Alberta Forestry, Grande Cache RCMP, Grande Cache Search & Rescue, Greenview Enforcement Services and Greenview Fire-Rescue Services.

March 12 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Greenview Fire-Rescue Services STN #33. (10002 Shand Ave W, Grande Cache).