Fire information and updates

Banff National Park

FIRE BAN IN EFFECT

Please be advised that there is an active fire ban in effect for Banff National Park. For more information, click here.

Do your part and stay informed on the current fire danger status and regulations. Your actions can help prevent unnecessary human-caused wildfires.

Information on current fire danger

While we cannot avoid naturally occurring wildfires (ex: lightning strikes), we can avoid human-caused fires. Please do your part to keep our communities and first responders safe by not lighting illegal campfires.

If you see any wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke, please report to Banff Emergency Dispatch 403-762-4506.

Fire bans are based on the local fire danger, current and forecasted weather conditions, the amount of moisture in vegetation, the regional wildfire situation and the availability of responders and equipment. Learn more about fire bans.

Fire ban information in the national park

Fire protection and restoration projects

How to safely enjoy a campfire in Banff National Park

When a fire ban is not in effect, you can safely enjoy a campfire in Banff National Park by following these guidelines:

Keep campfires small, and only in designated fire pits or boxes. Fires must be attended to at all times.
Use only firewood purchased in the area. Firewood should not be brought in from outside the park, but purchased at various providers within the park to prevent the risk of invasive insect species or disease from being brought into the park
Completely extinguish campfires with water. Before leaving it, soak it, stir it, and soak it again until it is cool to the touch.
Campers are required to purchase a fire permit before using fire pits in road-accessible campgrounds. Campfires are not permitted during quiet hours (11 pm to 7 am).
Campfires are not allowed in some backcountry campgrounds. Check the backcountry camping information or ask at a Parks Canada visitor centre before setting out on your hike.

As of 2024, campfires are no longer allowed at the following campgrounds:

Wildflower Creek (Ba15)
Merlin Meadows (Sk18)
Red Deer Lakes (Sk19)
Glacier Lake (Gl9)
Hector Lake (He5)
Mosquito Creek (Mo5)
Molar Creek (Mo16)
Norman Lake (No5)
Siffleur River (Sf)
Taylor Lake (Ta6)

Designated fire pits will be removed from these campgrounds through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Campfires are prohibited in these backcountry campgrounds even if you see a fire pit.

Be fire safe and follow these rules

Never leave a flame unattended.
Use equipment that is CSA or UL certified. Look for these symbols or check with the store where it was purchased.
Do not throw cigarettes on the ground. Put them out and discard in a bin.
Report any wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch: 403-762-4506.