The weather is gorgeous (so far) and the roads are filling up, which signals the start of the first camping long weekend of the year.

Many people are hitting Alberta's roads to enjoy the weekend, particularly around national parks, thanks to the Canada 150 free passes available to all Canadians.

The long weekend also means that officers will be out in full force to make sure everyone is being safe and following the rules, such as the off-highway vehicle helmet law which was recently put into place.

Sgt. Penner with the Rocky Mountain House RCMP says officers from all forms of law enforcement will be working together to ensure this Victoria Day long weekend goes as smoothly and safely as possible.

"We will also utilize our partners in the area. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officers, Environment and Parks, Town of Rocky Mountain House Peace Officers, Department of Transportation...Search and Rescue we have a team on standby because of the back country component of it, but yea we certainly beef up our resources for the long weekend, Thursday through Monday".

Penner reminds campers to clean up after themselves, and make sure to keep any open liquor inside your campsite.

Riders of off road vehicles are also reminded not only about the helmet law, but to remember to stay on marked paths where available, and to avoid doing excess damage to any natural areas.

For once it appears Mother Nature is cooperating with us, as there is currently no rain in the forecast for the long weekend (knock on wood), besides a few quick evening thunderstorms.

But thanks to the rain Central Alberta has received the past month, there are no active fire bans on right now.

The only areas in Alberta with a fire advisory in effect, which means you can only have a fire in an approved pit or with a permit, are areas East of Edmonton, Leduc County, and the Wood Buffalo region.

For all current fire ban information in Alberta, you can visit Albertafirebans.ca.