The provincial fire ban in the forested areas of Alberta has been lifted. Recent rain and lower temperatures have reduced the wildfire danger across the province.

The fire ban was in place for forested areas from the boundaries of Waterton Lakes National Park to north of Manning and east to north of Fort McMurray.

Although the provincial fire ban has been lifted, many municipalities still have fire bans or prevention notices in effect for their jurisdictions. Albertans can check that information at www.albertafirebans.ca.

For a complete listing of the bans and advisories in place within our provincial parks and recreational areas, please visit www.albertaparks.ca

Albertans are reminded to use caution when camping in the forested areas of Alberta over the May long weekend. Campfires should never be left unattended and should be extinguished by soaking the ashes, stirring them and soaking them again. Ashes should be cool to the touch.

Off-highway vehicle users can reduce the risk of wildfires by removing burnable debris from hot spots such as the engine and exhaust on their machines. All off-highway vehicles in Alberta are required to have a functional muffler and spark arrestor. Since the beginning of April, Environment and Sustainable Resource Development has responded to more than 330 wildfires, most of which appear to be human-caused and therefore were 100 per cent preventable.

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