BANFF – Parks Canada's initial attack crews were quick to snuff out two small wildfires about 15 kilometres north of the Banff townsite as the fire hazard hit extreme again on Thursday (Aug. 1).
A release from Parks Canada just before 5 p.m. Thursday indicated both wildfires in Banff National Park’s backcountry near Elk Pass have been fully extinguished.
“Both fires previously identified in the Elk Pass area are now extinguished,” stated Parks Canada.
“Thank you to our crews for their quick response.”
On the evening of Tuesday (July 30), Parks Canada followed up on a report of smoke, quickly confirming a small fire had started in the backcountry near Elk Pass.
Officials say fire crews responded immediately to try to put out the fire, including support from a helicopter bucketing water.
There is no word yet from Parks Canada on how the fire started or the size of the fire.
On Wednesday afternoon (July 31), while fire crews were scanning the Elk Pass area for any lingering hot spots, a second small spot fire was found approximately 1.2 km to the north of the original fire.
With rising temperatures and no recent rainfall, the fire danger rating was back at extreme in Banff National Park on Aug. 1.
A fire ban remains in place in the townsite and surrounding national parks.
Any reports of wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke can be reported to Parks Canada emergency dispatch at 403-762-4506.
