The City of Edmonton has postponed a planned controlled burn at Jan Reimer Park due to strong winds expected on Monday, with gusts reaching up to 31 km/h. The decision comes after a weekend in which three homes in the Summer Village of Sandy Beach, approximately 65 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, were destroyed by a wildfire.
Weather Conditions Determine Prescribed Burns
City communications coordinator Shania Villamor stated in a Monday morning news release that prescribed burns are only carried out when weather conditions allow for effective fire control and smoke management. A new date for the burn, which was intended to cover a 19-hectare section of the park, has not yet been scheduled.
Jan Reimer Park, the Terwillegar Park Footbridge, and nearby trails remain open to the public despite the delay.
Background on Jan Reimer Park
Formerly known as Oleskiw River Valley Park, Jan Reimer Park is a 193-acre natural area located in Edmonton's west end, south of the Fort Edmonton Footbridge and adjacent to the Edmonton Country Club. The city began using controlled burns as part of its wildfire mitigation strategy in 2024. Since 2020, Edmonton has responded to approximately 2,000 grass fires. The city manages about 7,400 hectares of wildland-urban interface, where natural and urban areas intersect, increasing the risk of fire spreading between them.
Wildfire Risk Strategy
On April 20, Edmonton launched its wildland-urban interface wildfire risk strategy. City council is expected to debate funding for wildfire mitigation and response as part of the upcoming four-year budget.
Regional Fire Situation
Over the weekend, a local state of emergency was declared in the Summer Village of Sandy Beach after a wildfire destroyed at least three homes and severely damaged a fourth. Sturgeon County, which includes Sandy Beach, has implemented a fire ban.
Six other counties in the Edmonton region are on high alert. Leduc County, Westlock County, and Lac Ste. Anne County are under fire advisories, while Barrhead County, Sturgeon County, and Parkland County have issued fire restrictions.
Residents are urged to stay informed about fire conditions and adhere to local restrictions to help prevent further incidents.
