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The Banff area has a heightened risk of wildfire. Theresa Grant
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The Banff area has a heightened risk of wildfire. Theresa Grant
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Those heading to Banff this weekend, beware of the heightened risk of wildfires.

Recently, Parks Canada upgraded the Fire Danger risk to High, but there is still no fire ban in effect for the Town of Banff or Banff National Park.

The risk was increased to High, due to the current and forecasted weather conditions, the amount of moisture the vegetation has, the regional wildfire situation, and the availability of responders and equipment.

Currently, campfires are permitted in campgrounds and day-use areas with designated metal fire pits.

For those wanting to have a fire in the Town of Banff, fires are only allowed in the wood stoves in Sundance Park (recreation grounds) and in private property.

When having a campfire, they must be attended to at all times, and when it's time to call it a night, completely extinguish the fire with water.

Then stir it and soak it again until it becomes cool to the touch.

For smokers visiting Banff, do not throw the cigarette on the ground.

Instead, extinguish the cigarette and discard them in a fire-resistant bin.

With the increased risk of wildfire, the Town of Banff is encouraging residents to check out the latest Banff Evacuation Guide from Town hall, which will help people be ready for up to 72 hours of power and water disruptions.

Those with a roof-top sprinkler, the Fire Department recommends them to be installed in the springtime and leave them setup and ready to use until autumn.

But, do not turn the sprinklers on when evacuating, unless fire or emergency officials tell you to turn them on.

To learn more and stay up to date on wildfire dangers in the Banff area, click here.