Wildfire evacuation alert lifted in Northern Alberta community

A forest fireoutside Janvier in northern Albertano longer poses an immediate threat to the community, as it'sbeing held by emergency crews and is not expected to grow.

Residents are no longeron evacuation alert, the municipality saidSaturday morning. Thecommunity 120 kilometres south of Fort McMurray had been on alert since Wednesday.

Fire fighting efforts have kept the flames from encroaching, saidAlberta Wildfireinformation officerLeahLovequist.

• Firefighters holding back wildfire near northern Alberta community
• Northern Alberta hamlet on alert as wildfire danger rises in Fort McMurray, Lac La Biche areas

A fire break hasbeen constructed around 70 per cent of the wildfire's edge, she said, andsix helicopters have been bucketing hotspots and soaking areas around the blaze.

The fire danger level in the Lac La Biche area remainshigh. In Fort McMurray, the danger levelhas been classified as extremedue to dry conditions and minimal rain.

On Friday, the province issued a ban on off-highway vehiclesin the protected forest areas of most of northern Alberta.

The banbeginsat the southern boundary of Big Lakes Countyin the town of Peace River, extending to the border of Wood Buffalo National Park and the Northwest Territories, as well astotheLac La Biche and Fort McMurrayareas.

Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private land.

• MORE FORTMcMURRAYNEWS:JannArden apologizes for 'tar sands' tweet, while FortMcMurrayconcert sells out
• MORE FORTMcMURRAYNEWS:Alberta now has world's largest expanse of protected boreal forest
• MORE FORTMcMURRAYNEWS:FortMcMurrayregion's first census since the wildfire will count how many returned

Fire bans also continue in same areas, prohibitingbackyard fire pits, campfires, charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers,torches, exploding targets and fireworks.

Propane fire pits, gas stoves andpropane barbecues can still be used in communities, back country and camping areas.

Connect with David Thurton, CBC'sFort McMurraycorrespondent, onFacebook,Twitter,LinkedInor email him atdavid.thurton@cbc.ca