Fire bans lifted in most areas of Alberta amid wildfires
Posted May 25, 2023 6:53 pm.
Last Updated May 25, 2023 6:56 pm.
Cooler weather, rain, and showers mean the province is lifting the fire bans and off-highway vehicle use in most of the province Friday starting at 10 a.m.
This means campfires are allowed in approved fire pits, and people can use off-highway vehicles again.
However, the fire ban will still be in place in three areas.
“Because north of the province received less rainfall and the fire danger remains high, the fire ban and off-highway restrictions will remain in place in the High-Level and Fort McMcmurry forest areas,” Alberta Wildfire’s Christie Tucker said.
“It will also be maintained in Yellowhead County, where we still have active wildfires.”
She says all outdoor woodfires remain banned on public lands, including in the backcountry and in random camping areas.
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As of Thursday afternoon, there are 55 active wildfires in the province, with 16 being considered out of control, while close to half are under control.
The province says fire danger in the north and east of Alberta is moderate, while it remains extreme in the upper northeast region and remains low in the central-west and eastern slopes of the Rockies.
Meanwhile, evacuation orders have been lifted in the Sturgeon Lake area and for East Prairie Metis Settlement and Peavine Metis Settlement.
There are 5,379 evacuees as of Thursday evening.
The province says close to 2,700 firefighters are working to douse the flames in the province.
Since the one-time emergency financial assistance announcement for evacuees, more than 15,900 applications have been processed.
Over $19.8 million in e-transfers has been sent to evacuees, and more than $7.9 million in debit cards has been distributed.
More information about fire bans in Alberta can be found online.
