Fire ban remains in effect despite low wildfire danger in Fort McMurray region

Forecast Fire Danger June 1

FORT McMURRAY — A fire ban remains in effect across the Fort McMurray Forest Area despite widespread rainfall and a significant drop in wildfire danger levels across northeastern Alberta.

Alberta Wildfire meteorologists reported scattered showers continued Monday across the boreal forest, including the Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan regions, with additional rainfall of 10 to 20 millimetres expected in parts of the eastern boreal forest.

Rain is forecast to continue through much of the day across the Fort McMurray-to-Fort Chipewyan corridor.

The precipitation has helped reduce wildfire conditions in the region, with fire danger now rated low across much of the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

However, wildfire officials say the fire ban remains necessary because substantial amounts of dry vegetation remain on the landscape and conditions can change quickly once warmer, drier weather returns.

The ban prohibits open burning and the use of most outdoor fires, while approved propane appliances may continue to be used in accordance with provincial regulations.

The latest weather system has brought significantly wetter conditions to much of Alberta.

Meteorologists reported an extensive area of rain stretching across southern Alberta while scattered showers continued across northeastern portions of the province. Humidity levels remained above 60 per cent across most regions outside portions of northwestern Alberta.

Strong northwest to north winds were also forecast across parts of the boreal forest, with gusts reaching between 40 and 50 kilometres per hour in some areas.

While the rainfall is expected to provide short-term relief to wildfire conditions, Alberta Wildfire officials continue to encourage residents and outdoor recreation users to observe all fire restrictions and monitor changing conditions throughout the wildfire season.

The Fort McMurray Forest Area has recorded multiple wildfires this year, although recent rainfall has reduced immediate fire behaviour concerns in many locations across northeastern Alberta.