Edson Forest Area

Edson Forest Area - June 13, 2025

Wildfire situation

Since January 1, there have been 45 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 1,086 hectares (ha). 

View active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the wildfire status dashboard. Wildfires are regularly assessed by experts and assigned a status to describe the behaviour of the wildfire, and how it is responding to suppression efforts under current and expected conditions. 

EWF038 near Cynthia

EWF038 is located 12 km northeast of Cynthia and 10 km east of Highway 753. It is 7 km north of Highway 621, on the northeast corner of Sink Hole Lake. The wildfire is estimated to be 10 ha and classified as under control and not expected to grow. Firefighters will monitor this wildfire for activity and respond if required. 

Yellowhead Wildfire Complex | EWF030, EWF036

EWF036 January Creek Wildfire

EWF036 is located on the south side of Peers on both sides of Highway 32. The size is estimated to be 738 ha and remains under investigation. 

The wildfire is now classified as being held. A wildfire is being held when it is not expected to grow beyond its existing boundaries, given current weather conditions and resources. This status change is only given when the wildfire is completely contained, meaning a perimeter has been established around the wildfire. The perimeter could be a fire guard, or combination of guard and natural barriers such as a body of water or rocky terrain. A wildfire that is being held may still exhibit activity and smoke. Occasionally, under extreme winds or unusual conditions, a being held wildfire may return to out of control. 

Firefighter will continue searching for and extinguishing hot spots. They may be supported by helicopters when required. The wildfire received 10 mm of rain overnight and continues to receive precipitation. Aerial heat scans can only be conducted when the forest floor is dry. Once these conditions are met, firefighters will request scans to confirm that the fire has no hot spots. Firefighters will only change the classification of this wildfire to extinguished once they're confident there are no hot spots left.

EWF030 Mercoal Creek Wildfire 

EWF030 is located 6 km west of Mercoal and 16 km southwest of Robb. The wildfire is estimated to be 320 ha in size and determined to be caused by lightning. The wildfire is now classified as under control which means that firefighting efforts were successful and there is no risk that the fire will spread. No hot spots were found during the last aerial heat scan, firefighters will continue to monitor the fire and respond if required. 

Reclamation of containment lines that were created by heavy equipment began on EWF030. These areas are restored to a more natural state, encouraging new vegetation growth, reducing environmental impacts, and preventing erosion.

FireSmart your home, farm and acreage

Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow.

Flames aren’t the only threat. An estimated 90% of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers.  By taking proactive FireSmart measures around your house and yard, you can increase your properties’ resistance to wildfire.

Visit FireSmart Alberta for information on how to get started.