Province-wide fire ban in effect.
Effective May 5, 2016 at 6:00 p.m., the province is applying a full fire ban to most areas in Alberta.
The fire ban expands the fire restriction that was enacted on May 3 in the Forest Protection Area.
“Our firefighters are currently focused on fighting wildfires across the province, including the estimated 85,000 hectare fire near Fort McMurray. With extreme wildfire hazard conditions continuing to persist, it is prudent that we take this step to help reduce the risk of additional fires.”
Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta
All open fires, including campfires and charcoal briquettes, are prohibited. The use of incendiary targets is also banned.
Portable propane fire pits and gas or propane stoves and barbeques designed for cooking or heating are allowed.
The fire ban applies to Alberta’s Forest Protection Area and all counties, municipal districts and special areas, and provincial parks and recreation areas. The fire ban does not apply to cities, towns, villages, summer villages, or federal lands, such as national parks.
Many of the jurisdictions that are not covered by the provincial fire ban have already put complementary fire bans in place and we encourage those that have not to do so.
Recreational users of OHVs are encouraged to discontinue use until the wildfire hazard subsides. If use of these vehicles is required for industry personnel only, please take extra precautions and clean debris from hot spots regularly.
The fire ban will remain in place until further notice. Every precaution is being taken to ensure no new preventable fires are started in the coming days that will put additional strain on the province's firefighting resources.
Check albertafirebans.ca for information related to fire bans
Leah Lovequist -Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780.849.0945
Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)
