Fire ban in effect for all of Wood Buffalo region, including Fort McMurray

No fires of any kind are allowed; extreme fire hazard continues across the region

Due to an extreme wildfire risk, a Fire Ban is in effect for the forest areas and communities within the entire municipality, including the urban service area of Fort McMurray.

A provincial fire ban is in place for most of northern Alberta, including the Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche Forest Protection Areas. A fire ban has been enacted by the municipality for the urban service area of Fort McMurray to align with the provincial ban.

Fire ban rules

Outside fires of any type are prohibited including:

Open-air fires

Recreational fires contained within a portable or fixed fire pit (including backyard fire pits)

Fireworks

Charcoal barbeques

The use of propane and natural gas appliances, such as barbecues and portable heatersare allowed.

Serious fines and penalties for not following Fire Ban

If an emergency fire response is required, the person responsible for the fire can be charged the full firefighting costs. The fine under the municipal Outdoor Fire Bylaw for burning during a fire ban is $1,200. There are additional fines in this bylaw and from the Government of Alberta for not following the conditions of Fire Bans.

OHV users urged to ride safely and take precautions

At this time an OHV restriction is not in effect within the forest areas or within the Abasand OHV Pilot Project. Anyone heading out on OHV trails must take extra caution to prevent starting a wildfire.

Keep your machine clean and stop to clear hotspots regularly. Debris build up on the exhaust, wheel wells, engine manifold and other hotspots can fall off and spark a wildfire.

All OHVs must have a working spark arrestor installed to manufacturer specifications with no alterations.

Pack water and a shovel or pail to extinguish fires and smoldering debris.

For more details on fire restrictions and bans, visit albertafirebans.ca To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473).

For more information on wildfires, fire restrictions and fire bans visit wildfire.alberta.ca.

For more information or questions contact Pulse at 780-743-7000, toll-free at 1-800-973-9663 or online at rmwb.ca/pulse.