Current wildfire status
Banff National Park
Safety is Parks Canada's first priority. We actively monitor Banff National Park for new wildfires and are ready to respond quickly when they occur.
Report any wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke to Banff Dispatch: (403) 762-1470
Information and updates on active wildfires will be posted to the Banff National Park Facebook channel.
Active wildfires
There are currently no active wildfires in Banff National Park.
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. |
Helpful links
- Banff National Park warnings and closures
- Environment Canada
- Alberta Health Services air quality info or call Health Link 8-1-1
- Live smoke forecast
- Road conditions and access updates or call 5-1-1
- Emergency preparedness tips
Alberta wildfire information
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