Edson Forest Area

Edson Forest Area - December 09, 2025

Since January 1, there have been 99 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 1,091 hectares (ha). The most recent wildfire was extinguished on December 1, burning 0.01 ha.

In the Edson Forest Area, lightning caused 27% of this season’s wildfires, burning 336 ha. Human-caused wildfires accounted for the remaining 73%, burning 755 ha.

Of the 70 human-caused wildfires this season, nearly one in five resulted from residents not following safe burning practices. Recreational and industrial activities made up a combined 41% of wildfire ignitions in 2025, while the remaining 38% are classified as undetermined or remain under investigation.

Cooking and warming fires

On December 1, firefighters extinguished a suspected abandoned cooking and warming fire that was slowly growing and smouldering deep into the ground. Fortunately, there was sufficient snow to contain the spread and the crew was able to extinguish the fire with no difficulty. Under warm and windy conditions, this fire could have spread to nearby exposed vegetation, causing a more serious wildfire.  

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 dry grass. If not properly extinguished, the fire can spread when the snow melts later in the day when the temperature increases, or burn deep into the soil where it can smoulder for long periods of time.

Firefighters extinguished EWF099 on December 1, believed to be an abandoned cooking and warming fire that was not properly extinguished by it's owner. 

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.

The Christmas tree on display at the Alberta Legislature has been hand selected in the Edson Forest Area for nearly 30 years! You can watch a video about the journey a new tree makes each year.

Safe winter burning

Fire permits are no longer required, but following safe winter burning practices is always important. Here are some suggestions for safe burning: 

• 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.
• You can also watch 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. 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