Edson Forest Area - April 26, 2025
The fire danger is anticipated to climb due to warm and windy conditions. Dry grass and vegetation could catch easily and burn quickly. Keep watch of your surroundings and keep sufficient water and firefighting equipment nearby when working or recreating outdoors.
We encourage any landowners who have done burning over the winter and that have had past fire permits to revisit the burn location to ensure these fires are fully extinguished.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, there have been 13 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 11.26 hectares (ha).
EWF013 was detected today and is located west of highway 751 and south of township road 570. Alberta Wildfire and Yellowhead County firefighters are at the scene containing the spread of the fire. It's currently estimated to be 0.5 ha in size and classified as being held.
EWF012 was detected yesterday and is located 45 km north northeast of Hinton, east of the Willow haul road. The wildfire is 3.6 ha in size and classified as under control. Firefighters will monitor the site and ensure that it's fully extinguished.
Learn more about wildfire status and view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.
Firefighter training north of Hinton
The Hinton Training Centre is conducting yearly seasonal firefighter training on April 29, May 7 and May 16, 2025. Members of the public may notice an increase of helicopter activity and possible smoke in the RC Flyers/Ty Camp area north east of Hinton.
Campfire safety
We urge everyone to use caution and be responsible when having a campfire. Conditions are dry, and it only takes one stray ember to land in nearby dry vegetation to ignite a wildfire. Keep campfires small and contained, never leave your campfire unattended and always fully extinguish your campfire by soaking the ashes, stirring them and soaking them again. If you find an unattended campfire, please report it to 310-FIRE. Firefighters will visit the area and ensure that the fire is fully extinguished.
Learn more on campfire safety, how to choose your campfire site, prepare your campfire and properly extinguish it when you are done.
Prevent spring wildfires
As we continue to experience warm temperatures the grass and other vegetation dries out becoming highly flammable. The area anticipates windy conditions today and the remainder of the week that could allow for a fast moving wildfire if one does occur. We are urging everyone to use caution when working or recreating outdoors.
- When operating off-highway vehicles (OHVs) you should stop often to remove debris from hot spots on your vehicle.
- Avoid parking on tall grass as the heat from your vehicle’s muffler can ignite dry vegetation.
- Use equipment safely by keeping spark-producing machines away from dry grass.
- When using farming equipment make sure that you clean debris from hot spots regularly. Always carry sufficient water and firefighting tools such as a shovel, pail, and extinguisher.
You can watch our video on how to prevent spring wildfires.
If you plan to burn it, get your permit
Alberta’s wildfire season starts on March 1. This means that fire permits are now required for burning within the Forest Protection Area, except campfires. Fire permits are free and can be requested online. You may also request your fire permit by calling your local forestry office - Edson Forest Area 780-723-8527.
Fire advisory
A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area due to warm, windy conditions and the dry grass hazard. The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
- Existing fire permits remain valid.
- New permits will not be issued for non-essential heavy fuel burning.
- New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
- Campfires are allowed in both designated campgrounds and random camping areas.
Published on April 26, 2025 6:10 pm
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
From March 1 to October 31, all burning activities in the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit.
Prevent wildfires by checking on winter burn sites. Winter burns can smoulder underground and often reignite in the spring. Extinguish a fire by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again.
Contact info
Caroline Charbonneau
780-740-1341
[email protected]