BANFF – After some much needed rain, the Town of Banff and the Banff National Park lifted the fire ban as of Monday (Aug. 19).
In the townsite, fires are allowed in wood stoves at the Banff Recreation Grounds and on private property. In the national park, campfires are restricted to designated Parks Canada metal fire rings or boxes in campgrounds and day-use areas.
The decision is made based on forecasted conditions, moisture content in the ground and soil, wildfire situation in the region and availability of local firefighters and resources.
Banff's fire department also lifted its fire ban in coordination with Parks Canada having removed its fire ban in the national park.
In the national park, wildfires, illegal fires and suspicious smoke can be reported to 403-762-4506.
The fire danger for Banff National Park is currently listed as moderate.The Town of Canmore's fire danger also sits at moderate.
The Town of Canmore and the Calgary Forest Area (CFA), which includes the MD of Bighorn, Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation and Kananaskis Country, lifted its ban on Aug. 8.
Wildfires in the CFA can be reported to 310-FIRE (3473).
As of Monday (Aug. 19) in Alberta, there are currently 85 active wildfires including carryover, but not mutual aid wildfires. This year, 1,008 wildfires have been extinguished, not including carryover or mutual aid wildfires.
