Province lifts fire ban for Fort McMurray Forest Area

A screenshot of the Alberta Fire Bans website on June 22, 2023, showing the province has lifted a fire ban and OHV restriction for the Fort McMurray Forest Area. Image supplied by Alberta Fire Bans.

The fire ban for the Fort McMurray Forest Area has been lifted.

In a release, the RMWB said the OHV Restriction has also been lifted in the Urban Service Area.

Alberta Fire Bans maintains a fire restriction for the region.

“Backyard firepits and safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed once again. Under this restriction, open fires in the backcountry are not allowed. Existing fire permits remain suspended and no new fire permits will be issued.”

The change coincides with the lifting of the wildfire evacuation order for residents of Fort Chipewyan.

On May 30, 2023, the order forced some 800 residents to leave the northern Alberta hamlet, but since Alberta Wildfire listed the Rocky River Fire as being held, evacuees are able to return home.

According to the Municipality, as of June 15, there have been 642 wildfires across Alberta, including 377 that were human caused.