Updated August 2, 2:50 p.m.
The Banff Fire Department has issued a fire ban for the Town of Banff.
The fire hazard conditions are currently listed as extreme. All outdoor fires, including campfires, are prohibited until further notice.
Parks Canada has also issued a fire ban for Banff National Park, including all front and backcountry campgrounds and day use areas. Report any wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Banff Dispatch 403.762.4506.
This fire ban includes all open fires, except, (provided they are under direct supervision, and certified by the Canadian Standards Association or Underwriters Laboratories):
- portable propane fire pits
- gas or propane stoves and barbeques designed for cooking or heating
- propane or gas fuelled lanterns (enclosed flame)
- patio heaters (propane, catalytic or infrared/radiant)
The fire ban restriction will be lifted as soon as conditions permit.
Wildfire Information - August 1, 2018
The Town of Banff and the Bow Valley is experiencing smoke coming from wildfires, most likely in Kootenay National Park.
There is currently no immediate fire threat to the Town of Banff. We will provide updates if conditions worsen. Check Parks Canada’s
Important Bulletins for current information.
Fires:
- Parks Canada and the BC Wildfire Service are managing a wildfire over 200 hectares in size at Whitetail Creek in the Beaverfoot Valley outside of Kootenay National Park. This fire is just outside of Kootenay National Park, north of Radium Hot Springs.
- This wildfire does not pose a threat to Radium Hot Springs or other local communities at this time.
- There are also other wildfires burning in the province of B.C. (adjacent to Kootenay National Park) and in Alberta (adjacent to Banff National Park).
- There is one wildfire confirmed in Banff National Park, near Lake Louise, that is currently being managed.
Roads:
- Highway 93 South – Castle Junction to Radium closed due to proximity of fires to the highway as well as limited visibility from smoke. It is scheduled to be closed until at least 7 a.m., August 2.
- Alternate routes include Highway 95 to Golden.
- Check www.DriveBC.ca and www.511.alberta.ca for status of road closures.
Evacuations:
- An evacuation order has been put in place for Kootenay Park Lodge due to the proximity of the Wardle fire to the lodge, the weather forecasted for the next two days and the dry conditions on the ground.
- No other communities are identified as at risk at this time.
Smoke:
- This smoke is coming from the fires in Kootenay National Park or those nearby fires in Alberta.
- Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Banff National Park near Banff and Lake Louise, and the Town of Canmore.
- Smoke is causing poor visibility and reduced visibility. Smoke conditions can change considerably, hour-by-hour, and over short distances.
- Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.
- Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk. People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution.
- Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.
- For health concerns related to smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811.
Web links: