By rdnewsNOW staff

wildfires rage on

Fire, off-highway vehicle bans expanded in northern Alberta

May 22, 2019 | 2:29 PM

The fire ban prohibiting campfires and unauthorized burning and restricting the recreational use of off-highway vehicles throughout most of northern Alberta has been expanded.

The fire ban now includes the forest areas around Lac La Biche, Slave Lake, Whitecourt, Edson and Grande Prairie, and then north to the Northwest Territories border. A recreational ban on off-highway vehicles on public land is included in the ban.

“Weather conditions have increased the wildfire hazard level throughout central and northern Alberta. Expanding the fire ban and off-highway vehicle restrictions will help reduce the chance of further wildfires,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

As per the previous ban, all fire permits remain suspended in the fire ban area. The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational purposes continues to be prohibited on public land due to the high wildfire risk in the same area.

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“We ask the public to support the bans and restrictions to ensure human-caused fires are avoided so that our wildfire teams can concentrate on areas like the one near High Level. We thank the public for their cooperation in an effort to support all of our wildfire teams and local firefighters,” Dreeshen added.

Individuals found contravening a fire ban may be subject to a $287 fine, or could be held liable for all costs associated with fighting a wildfire.

Other jurisdictions, including municipalities and provincial parks, may also issue fire restrictions or bans. Please check albertafirebans.ca for more information.

(Government of Alberta)