Edson Forest Area

Edson Forest Area - March 20, 2026

Wildfire situation

Since January 1, there have been 4 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 0.14 hectares (ha). For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Prevent spring wildfires

To prevent spring wildfires, we urge residents and industry to return to their burn piles and ensure they are fully extinguished. 

• Spread out the remaining material.
• Scan the ashes by looking, smelling and carefully feeling with a bare hand for any signs of smoke or heat from the pile.
• Soak hot spots and stir until they're completely extinguished.
• Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.
• You can also watch our video on how to prevent spring wildfires.

Fire can burn under ground or beneath the snow for weeks or even months. Help prevent spring wildfires – revisit your winter burns and ensure they are completely extinguished.

Wildfire season starts March 1

In Alberta, wildfire season isn’t about when wildfires start — they can happen any time of year. It’s the legal time period when a permit is required for all burning, with the exception of a campfire. During fire season, fire bans, restrictions, and advisories are tools that can be used when the risk of wildfire increases. It’s also when Alberta Forestry ramps up hiring seasonal staff, and ensure aircraft and heavy equipment contracts are in place to support wildfire response to help protect communities across the province.

If you’re going to burn it, get a permit

Since March 1, all burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, with the exception of campfires, requires a fire permit. 

If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire will be considered a wildfire. Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape and keep our firefighters available to fight real wildfires instead of responding to reported smoke suspected to be a wildfire.

To request your free fire permit, contact the local forest area at (780) 723-8527 or you can request your permit online. We ask that you plan ahead, there may be delays for a forest officer to visit your site. For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video on brush pile burning.

Upcoming season

It’s too early to predict the 2026 wildfire season. Conditions depend on snowpack, how fast it melts, and how much rain we receive this spring. Snowfall helps, but the moisture often dissipates before it can settle in the soil. The lingering snow can cover the dead dry vegetation, preventing new wildfire starts.

Spring is a high-risk time for wildfires. Once snow melts, dry grass can fuel fast-moving fires during warm, dry, or windy periods. These conditions will only improve once sufficient spring rain falls and vegetation becomes green with moisture.