Despite the rain, the provincial fire ban is still in effect.
READ MORE: RMWB offers clarity on provincial fire ban
Alberta Wildfire is acting in advance to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires o make the best possible use of resources when the availability of firefighters could be reduced because of the pandemic.
The wildfire danger rating in the Fort McMurray Forest Area is moderate both north of Fort Chipewyan and south of Lake Athabasca.
Cured, dry grass is the largest concern as fires that start can still spread quickly under current conditions.
Since March 1, there have been five new wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. All fires have been extinguished.
There are currently 10 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Seven of these wildfires are under control and three have been turned over to the responsible parties.
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry will be monitoring conditions, including the availability of firefighting crews and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Currently, Off Highway Vehicle restrictions do not apply to the balance of the Fort McMurray Forest Area, Janvier, Fort McKay or the Richardson back country. They do apply to Gregoire Lake Estates, Anzac, Draper, Saprae Creek, areas along the Clearwater river to the Saskatchewan border, areas west of Fort McMurray along the Athabasca river, Maqua Lake and Engstrom Lake areas.
The OHV restriction does not apply to private land or agricultural, institutional (educational) or commercial/industrial use, emergency response, those licensed for the spring black bear hunt or Indigenous peoples who use OHVs for traditional purposes.
Anyone found to be non-compliant with the fire ban may receive a violation ticket of $600, and non-compliant with the OHV restriction, a violation ticket of $1200.
