Edson Forest Area

Edson Forest Area - November 14, 2025

Wildfire situation

Since January 1, there have been 98 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 1,091 hectares (ha). 

There are currently 2 active wildfires in the area, both classified as under control. Firefighters are monitoring as needed, the wildfires are not expected to spread. View active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the wildfire status dashboard. 

In the Edson Forest Area lightning accounted for 27% of the wildfires burning 336 ha. Human-caused wildfires accounted for 73% burning 755 ha. 

Of the 70 human-caused wildfires in the Edson Forest Area this season nearly one-in-five were the result of residents not following safe burning practices.

Recreational and industrial activities accounted for a combined 41% of wildfires in 2025. 

The remaining 38% of wildfires are classified as either being undetermined or under investigation. 

Across the province there have been 1,246 in the province to date burning nearly 682,000 hectares. 

The central part of the boreal forest saw the majority of wildfire activity this season. This area had extreme drought conditions, the most severe recorded in that area for 50 years. Dry conditions mean that the burning season has lasted longer than usual, and as of yet we have not experienced any significant cold or wet weather that would mean an end to the season.

Now hiring wildland firefighters 

Applications are now open for the 2026 wildfire season. Positions are available for crew members and leaders on unit, helitack, and hoist crews. Learn more about recruitment and apply today.

End of wildfire season

The wildfire season ended on November 1 and fire permits are no longer required for burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. We want to thank the public and industry that helped report wildfires and to those that helped keep our communities safe. If you see smoke or flame and suspect a wildfire, report it by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

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 then 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

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 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.