EDMONTON — Alberta has lifted its fire ban in forested areas just in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.
The province says recent rain and cooler weather have reduced the threat of wildfires.
The government imposed the ban earlier this month as crews battled severe wildfires in areas west, north and east of Edmonton.
The fire ban was in place for forested areas from the boundaries of Waterton Lakes National Park in the south to north of Manning and east to north of Fort McMurray.
The lifting of the provincial fire ban does not affect bans that have been imposed by individual municipalities. But the Town of Rocky Mountain House also lifted its fire ban as of 1 p.m. Friday.
Since the beginning of April, Alberta crews have responded to more than 330 wildfires, most of which appear to have been caused by people.