Fire information and updates

Banff National Park

Active wildfires

Extinguished wildfires

2024
Carrot Creek
Time Notes
August 11, 2024:  14:00 MST

The fire near Carrot Creek is now classified as EXTINGUISHED.

Thank you to the fire crew members for their quick response. This is the final update related to this incident.

August 11, 2024:  08:00 MST

The small wildfire (0.17 ha.) reported yesterday on the upper slopes of the Fairholme range just west of Carrot Creek is now classified as UNDER CONTROL.

Within 10 minutes of receiving the fire report, Parks Canada dispatched fire response resources, including three intermediate helicopter bucketing, two Parks Canada fire crews along with an additional fire crew from Alberta Wildfire. Thanks to the quick response and work of fire crews, the fire was brought under control yesterday evening, in just under 5 hrs of the initial fire detection.

There is currently no threat to the public, infrastructure, or the communities of Banff, Harvie Heights, or Canmore.

The fire was caused by lightening and burned in the footprint of the Fairholme Prescribed Burn Unit that was burned in 2003, which is contributed to favourable ground fuel conditions for the suppression of this fire.

We will provide a final update once the fire is confirmed to be extinguished.

August 10, 2024:  19:45 MST

Parks Canada is currently responding to a small lightning caused wildfire (approximately 0.17 hectares) on the upper slopes of the Fairholme range just west of Carrot Creek, in Banff National Park. Parks Canada immediately initiated suppression actions and dispatched resources to the fire; the wildfire is currently classified as BEING HELD. This means that the wildfire is not likely to spread beyond its current perimeter under prevailing and forecasted conditions.

There is currently no threat to the public, infrastructure, or the communities of Banff, Harvie Heights, or Canmore.

Parks Canada fire crews along with additional crews from Alberta Wildfire and helicopter supports were dispatched and on route to the fire location within 10 minutes of the initial smoke report. As is shown in the images attached to this update, fire activity on-site is currently low.

Ongoing fire response activities and smoke may be visible from the Trans-Canada Highway, between Banff and Canmore. The fire is burning in the footprint of the Fairholme Prescribed Burn Unit that was burned in 2003, which is contributing to favourable ground fuel conditions for the suppression of this fire.

We will provide an update when new information of note is available or the fire status changes.

Red Earth / Pharaoh Creeks
Time Notes
August 9, 2024:  09:00 MST

Status update: Extinguished

The fire near Red Earth and Pharaoh Creeks junction is now classified as extinguished as of yesterday evening.

Thank you to the fire crew members for their quick response. This is the final update related to this incident.

August 7, 2024:  08:40 MST

Status update: Under Control

Thanks to the work of fire crew members, with support from a helicopter bucketing, the fire near Red Earth and Pharaoh Creeks junction was brought under control yesterday evening. Fire crew members will return to the site this morning to confirm full extinguishment.

We will post a final update for this fire once we confirm it is extinguished. There continues to be no current threat to the public, infrastructure, or communities.

August 6, 2024:  17:00 MST

Parks Canada is currently responding to a small fire (<0.2 ha) in the backcountry of Banff National Park, just south of the Red Earth and Pharoh Creeks junction. Parks Canada is actively suppressing the fire with support of one intermediate helicopter bucketing, additional ground crew resources are on route. Fire response activities and smoke may be visible from the Egypt Lake area.

There is currently no threat to the public, infrastructure, or communities. We will provide an update when new information of note is available or the fire status changes. Reminder: A fire ban is currently in place in Banff National Park.  

You can report any wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch: (403) 762-4506.

*Do not call dispatch for updates on wildfires. This reduces resources for emergency events. Updates are provided through Banff National Park Facebook page as new information of note is available.

While there is no current threat to public safety, now is the time to be prepared as situations are dynamic and can change easily. Sign up for Voyent Alert to receive emergency information in Banff National Park.

Elk Pass Wildfire
Time Notes
August 1, 2024:  14:48 MST The second spot fire is now also classified as extinguished.
Both fires previously identified in the Elk Pass area, are now extinguished.
Thank you to our crews for their quick response. This is the final update related to this incident.
August 1, 2024:  13:00 MST On the evening of July 30, Parks Canada responded to a smoke report and confirmed a small fire in the backcountry of Banff National Park, near Elk Pass and approximately 15 km North of the town of Banff. A Parks Canada fire crew responded immediately with suppression measures, including support from a helicopter bucketing. Thanks to the quick response from the Parks Canada fire crew, the fire was classified as under control that same evening and, as of today, is officially EXTINGUISHED.
Yesterday afternoon, while crews were scanning the Elk Pass area for lingering hot spots, a second small spot fire was identified by the fire crew approximately 120m to the north of the original fire. While this fire does not currently pose a threat to public safety or infrastructure, a fire crew and helicopter are currently working to extinguish the second fire.
There is currently no threat to the public, infrastructure, or communities. We will provide an update when new information of note is available.

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. 


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.

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.

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.

 

Air quality

Webcams

Several businesses have live webcams available within the park:

Road conditions

It is always a good idea to prepare for travel by checking Alberta511.ca and DriveBC.ca before you head out.

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