Fire and ATV bans lifted in parts of southern Alberta

If the Alberta ban on fires and riding all-terrain vehicles off road are getting you down heading into the weekend, there's good newsif you live in parts of southern Alberta.

Wetter, cooler weather has allowed the province to lift the extremely rare ban effective Friday.

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"Fortunately, the weather conditions in southern parts of Alberta have helped reduced the fire hazard," Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier said in a release.

"The fire hazard across the northern area of the province remains high to extreme, so the restrictions will remain in place. We ask all Albertans to please continue to exercise extreme caution with fires."

For the rest of the province that remains under the ban, there are some exceptions.

Gas or propane stoves and BBQs designed for cooking or heating are alright. So are portable propane fire pits.

All open fire pits are still prohibited where the ban remains.

For the latest on fire bans click here. For information on the off-highway vehicle ban click here.

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