The Weekly Anchor Newspaper

07/23/2024

MESSAGE FROM JASPER

An evacuation order has been issued for Jasper National Park and the Town of Jasper.
This alert is in effect for everyone located in Jasper National Park and Town of Jasper. Travel west on Highway 16 towards British Columbia. Evacuation to take place between 10 PM (July 22, 2024) and 3 AM (July 23, 2024).
There is no threat to communities in Yellowhead County, the Town of Hinton or the Town of Edson.

ACTIVE WILDFIRES IN JASPER NATIONAL PARK
An evacuation order has been issued for Jasper National Park and the Town of Jasper.

This alert is in effect for everyone located in Jasper National Park and Town of Jasper. Travel west on Highway 16 towards British Columbia. Evacuation to take place between 10 PM (July 22, 2024) and 3 AM (July 23, 2024).
Follow direction from local authorities and obey the speed limit. Travelers en-route to Jasper National Park must travel back in the direction they came from, unless directed otherwise.

Check Alberta Emergency Alerts for up-to-date information on evacuation alerts and orders.
Check Alberta 511 on their website or download the app for road conditions and closures. We will provide an update when new information is available.

Additional information will be available on the Jasper National Park page and Municipality of Jasper page for updates.

Alberta Wildfire has been requested for assistance and is currently responding with ground resources and one helicopter. Other agencies are supporting wildfire suppression efforts and evacuation support.

07/02/2024

Alberta Wildfire, Yellowhead County, and industry are currently responding to EWF060 10 km west of Edson.

(July 1, 2024) EWF060 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL 10 km west of Edson, north of highway 16. The wildfire was caused by a facility incident and estimated to be 3.0 ha in size. Alberta Wildfire is responding with industry and Yellowhead County. There are 26 firefighters, three water trucks and one helicopter assisting in containing the wildfire. There are no communities threatened at this time. Firefighters are making good progress containing the wildfire.
Highway 16 was temporarily closed. To get up-to-date information on road closures, visit Alberta 511.

MESSAGE FROM YELLOWHEAD COUNTY
Incident in Central Yellowhead County at Range Road 185.
July 1, 2024, 5:00 PM UPDATE

Yellowhead County Fire responded to a call for assistance for a reported structural fire near Range Road 185 and Highway 16 in Yellowhead County. On arrival, it was determined that there was a gas metering station involved.
*There has been no direct damage reported with nearby pipelines.*
Yellowhead County is on scene and working with FortisAlberta, TransMountain Pipeline, Atco Gas, AltaLink, Alberta Forestry and the RCMP.
Yellowhead County will post updates at yhcounty.ca and the Yellowhead County page.

05/13/2024

The heavy smoke settling over our forest area is not produced by a wildfire nearby.
The wildfire danger remains EXTREME. This means that forest fuels are extremely dry and pose a very serious fire risk. Fast-spreading, high-intensity fires are likely, which are very difficult to control.
Use extra caution if you are doing any work that will produce a spark, friction or hot exhaust. This includes grinding, welding and operating heavy equipment. Wildfires will catch easily and burn quickly under these conditions.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE. For updated information link to Alberta Wildfire.

05/09/2024

Fire advisory remains in effect for Edson Forest Area

May 9, 2024: A fire ban is now in effect for north of Grande Cache into the Grande Prairie Forest Area.
Use extreme caution if you are doing any work that will produce a spark, friction or hot exhaust. This includes grinding, welding and operating heavy equipment. Wildfires will catch easily and burn quickly under these conditions.
If you are working in the forest protection area, ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment as per the Forest Prairie and Protection Act.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Visit Alberta Wildfire for updated information.

04/30/2024

Canfor Forestry Virtual Open House:

This spring, Canfor will be holding a virtual open house on May 9th & 10th, to view our operating plans for the upcoming year.

The general public and stakeholders have the opportunity to review our planned forestry activities in road development, harvesting, reforestation and herbicide treatment for the 2024-2025 forestry year.

Public stakeholder input is gathered and utilized to influence operations where site specific concerns are identified such as trails, camping areas, recreational areas etc.

Please visit us at https://www.canforforestmanagement.ca/whitecourt
to view a variety of maps available for all areas in which we operate and provide your input. We would appreciate all comments and concerns that you may have.

visit: The Weekly Anchor website for details

04/25/2024

We received this link from Brian B. with a request to post it. It is a link to a Super 8 movie he made of the Edson Air show back in 1974. This film takes a detailed look at the second largest Air Show in Alberta, Canada. It's an old movie, so is not in perfect shape, but Brian is hoping the Provincial Archive would be interested in restoring and preserving the original.

Edson Air Show (1974, long version, Super 8 with sound) - YouTube

This film takes a detailed look at the second largest Air Show in Alberta, Canada. It took place 50 years ago, in 1974. The whole town of Edson gets excite...

04/21/2024

Edson Forest area update

The area is experiencing low humidity, warm temperatures and strong gusty winds up to 60 km/h. These conditions allow for intense fire behaviour. You must have a permit, with the exception of a campfire, to do any burning. This includes grass, yard clean up, debris piles and any other materials.
Use extreme caution if you are having a campfire and do not burn if conditions are windy. Never leave your campfire unattended and ensure it's fully extinguished before you leave the site.
Airtankers will be doing live practices over the weekend from the Edson Airtanker Base. These exercises help the base personnel train and new staff obtain their certification.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE. For updated information go to Alberta Wildfire.

04/17/2024

EWF015 north of Obed Lake is now classified as being held.
A fire advisory remains in effect for the Edson Forest Area.
Dry grass can catch easily and burn quickly. Any spark, hot exhaust or friction can cause a wildfire. Avoid working near or on dry vegetation to help prevent wildfires.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

04/16/2024

Wildfire 35 km northwest of Edson

Wildfire EWF015 is currently burning out of control 28 km north northeast of Obed Lake, 35 km northwest of Edson and 55 km northeast of Hinton. The wildfire can be seen from highway 40 north and highway 16. Alberta Wildfire is working closely with industry and Yellowhead County Fire Department. Airtankers, heavy equipment and firefighters are en-route to the incident.

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area remains MODERATE.

A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to dry conditions and the presence of exposed dry and dead vegetation, which is extremely flammable.

Additional information https://srd.web.alberta.ca/edson-area-update

03/21/2024

SUPPORT: COPING WITH WILDFIRE ANXIETY...

March 26: From Stress to Success. Tools to manage stress and anxiety in relation to the upcoming wildfire season. Register or drop in. call 780-725-0582 6pm-8pm at Griffiths Park Centre (5414 6 Ave, Edson). (AHS and Town of Edson, FCSS)

April 3: Coping with Wildfire Free info session at Wildwood Community Hall. AHS therapists will answer questions and meet individually with attendees. 1-3pm. (AHS and Yellowhead County)

02/28/2024

Break at Edson Drive Water Booster Station causes temporary shutdown

(Town of Edson) February 28, 2024 – Water pressure continues to be impacted in the Tiffin and Edson Drive areas due to a break at the Edson Drive Booster Station.
On Monday, February 26th, a pipe break was discovered at the Booster Station. Upon further investigation the leak appears to be on the INLET pipe entering building, and possibly under the building.
Due to the nature of the break, and potential damage it may cause, the facility will remain closed/isolated until further notice. Once a full assessment of the damage is complete, a plan for repairs will be communicated.
This means the lower water pressure will continue in the zone outlined in the attached map as work continues.
In the event of an emergency such as a structure fire, the system can be started again till the emergency is under control.
We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience while the situation is dealt with.
Questions or concerns can be directed to the Utilities Department by calling the Edson Public Works Office, Monday to Friday (7:30am-4pm) at 780-723-6461, calling our after-hours emergency number at 780-723-6300, or by emailing [email protected].