Fire bans across the Athabasca region have been lessened today (Aug. 7) after two days of sporadic rain lowered the risk of wildfires.
"Athabasca County, the town of Athabasca, and the village of Boyle all reduced existing fire bans to fire restrictions Aug. 6 and 7 citing the newly favourable conditions after a dry July caused unseasonably high risks."
Under the restrictions, new fire permits will still not be issued and existing permits will not be renewed, and the discharge of fireworks, or use of exploding targets, is still prohibited. Unlike in a fire ban, campfires are permitted so long as they are in a designed fire pit, and bylaw-compliant burn barrels may be used as well.
The Lac La Biche Forest Area is still in a fire restriction, although all outdoor wood fires on public lands are prohibited in the area.
Two existing fire bans remain in place as of Aug. 7. The summer village of South Baptiste and the North Buck Lake Provincial Recreation Area are still under a fire ban.
For up to date information on fire bans, visit https://albertafirebans.ca/.
