Fire bans effective immediately for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks

Fire bans are now in effect in Banff National Park, Yoho National Park and Kootenay National Park amid hot, dry conditions in southern Alberta and B.C.

Campers in some of Canada’s national parks will need to leave their S’mores at home for the time being.

Effective July 30, Parks Canada announced fire bans are in force for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.

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Authorities say the fire bans were called due to “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.”

“Fire bans help ensure the safety of visitors, residents, and help reduce threats to park infrastructure,” Parks Canada said in a news release.

These fire bans prohibit the use of the following items:

• campfires (no wood or briquette fires);
• charcoal or briquette barbecues;
• turkey fryers;
• outdoor wood burning stoves (including cooking shelters);
• tiki torches; and
• candles.

The following Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certified items are permitted under a fire ban if used under direct supervision:

• portable propane fire pits (prohibited at overflow campgrounds);
• gas or propane stoves and barbeques designed for cooking or heating;
• propane or gas fueled lanterns (enclosed flame);
• patio heaters (propane, catalytic or infrared/radiant); and
• indoor wood burning stoves within fully enclosed permanent buildings (not wall tents or camper vans).

Parks Canada says these fire bans will be lifted as soon as conditions permit.

For visitors who made plans to visit the parks and purchased a fire permit, refunds can be expected four to six weeks following the checkout date of each reservation.

The agency asks anyone to report any wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-4506.

Parks Canada says there are no wildfires of note in any of three above parks.

For up-to-date information on current restricted activities, including fire bans, please visit:

• Banff Important Bulletins;
• Yoho Important Bulletins; and
• Kootenay Important Bulletins.