Wildfire Season from March 1

The Town of Hinton received the press release from the Edson Forest Area Information Officer.

March 2, 2021

Starting March 1, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape. If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. By getting a permit you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard. Fire permits are free and can be requested from your local Agriculture and Forestry office. For the Edson Forest Area, you can reach us at (780) 723-8527.

Remember to revisit any winter burn piles before March 1. If they are still active, please contact your local Agriculture and Forestry office. Permits are required on and after March 1.

When checking your winter burns, spread around any remaining debris so you can probe the area for hotspots. Use your bare hand to feel for heat over the ash piles. If you see smoke or feel heat, the fire is still burning. Douse any remaining hotspots with water and stir up the ashes. A fire is not out until there is absolutely no heat emanating from the ashes.

You can refer to the Brush Piles and Windrows Pamphlet for more information on safe burning practices and proper extinguishment of your burns.

Current Status

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area remains LOW. There are currently no active wildfires in the area.

For information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.

Caroline Charbonneau