Fire ban information
Elk Island National Park
A fire ban is a legal restriction on certain types of fires to prevent human-caused wildfires. Some activities are not permitted during a full or partial fire ban.
In a national park, burning illegally could lead to a fine of up to $25,000.
Find out if a fire ban is in place: check the important bulletins or call the Visitor Centre: 1-780-922-5790.
Use of the following items is prohibited during a fire ban:
Use of the following items is permitted during a fire ban:
Frequently asked questions
What is a fire ban?
A fire ban is a legal restriction on certain types of fires to prevent human-caused wildfires. In a national park, burning illegally could lead to a fine of up to $25,000.
How does the park decide if a fire ban is needed?
Fire bans are based on local fire hazards, current and forecasted weather conditions, the amount of moisture in vegetation, the regional wildfire situation, and the availability of responders and equipment.
Current and forecasted conditions are evaluated on a daily basis.
What is fire danger?
Fire danger is an index that tells us how easily a fire could start, how difficult a fire may be to control and how long a fire might burn.
Fire ban status is determined by long term trends rather than daily weather or fire danger.
Why is there a fire ban even though it is cold and rainy?
It takes a lot of rain to restore moisture to deep soil layers, trees, and logs that have dried out. Rain quickly evaporates when followed by warm temperatures and wind. This means fire danger can quickly return to high or extreme.
The regional wildfire situation may be more active. It is important for Parks Canada not to have human-caused fires divert resources from naturally caused ones in other areas.
Does a provincial fire ban apply to national parks?
No, regulations and conditions such as weather, elevation, and forest health are not always the same in the province and national parks.
Where can I have a fire once a fire ban is lifted?
When fires are allowed, they must be in metal fire pits or boxes provided by Parks Canada. Random fires are never allowed.
More information
Be fire safe and follow these rules
- Never leave a flame unattended.
- Do not throw cigarettes on the ground. Put them out and discard in a bin.
- Report any sign of wildfire to Parks Canada Dispatch at 1-877-852-3100 or call 911.
When a fire ban is not in effect, you can safely enjoy a campfire in Elk Island National Park by following these guidelines:
- Never leave a flame unattended
- Do not throw cigarettes on the ground. Put them out and discard in a bin
- Keep campfires small, and only in designated fire pits or boxes. Fires must be attended to at all times
- Completely extinguish campfires with water. Soak it, stir it, and soak it again until it is cool to the touch before leaving it
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes such as strong winds and electrical storms
Report any sign of wildfire to Parks Canada Dispatch at 1-877-852-3100 or call 911.
NEVER leave your fire unattended!
Before you go to bed for the night, or any time you leave your campsite, douse the fire with water and make sure it is out.
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