Fire ban lifted in Fort McMurray area

A fire ban has been lifted for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, including Fort McMurray.

Although the ban has been lifted, fire permits even for campfiresare required within the city of Fort McMurray.

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Residents must alsoobtain a permit for all burning, except campfires, inthe FortMcMurrayForest Area.

These areas includeFort Fitzgerald,Smith Landing, Gregoire Lake Estates, Fort Chipewyan, Anzac, Saprae Creek, Fort Mackay,East Draper Road and First Nations communities.

Despite the ban being lifted, residents are asked to exercise caution when having a fire, and to call 911 toreport any smoke or signs of uncontrolled fire within the city.

If a forest fire is spotted outside the city, residents should call 310-FIRE.

The wildfire hazard for the Fort McMurray forest area is considered low, and the nearby Horse River wildfire is classified as "held," meaning it is not expected to grow.

The wildfire remains an estimated 589,617 hectares in size, but is not currently threatening any communities.