Fire alerts
Parks Canada is a global leader in managing forest fires. Our first priority when managing a wildfire is to ensure the safety of the public and fire personnel, and the protection of property and cultural resources. We are also committed to protecting important ecological values and public and private infrastructure.
Like many areas in British Columbia and Alberta, national parks are experiencing hot and dry weather conditions. Fire danger is extreme and fire bans are in place in the majority of national parks in the provinces.
Parks Canada’s Fire Management Team actively manages all wildfires in national parks, including wildfires in remote locations. Wildfire management activities are currently underway in Glacier, Kootenay and Banff national parks.
What to expect
While these national parks remain open, some backcountry area closures may be in place. In addition, wildfires and resulting smoke may impact road conditions and transportation corridors. Motorists should be prepared for reduced visibility due to smoke, delays or temporary road closures.
Smoke from wildfires may also impact air quality and should be a consideration for those with existing respiratory concerns. For smoke and air quality alerts visit Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Fire and weather conditions can change quickly and visitors are encouraged to stay informed and check regularly for updated information before heading to or travelling through national parks. Up-to-date information on wildfires, fire bans and closures in individual national parks is listed below.
Fires of note
Alerts by province
British Columbia
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
Fire ban
- Mayne Island - www.mayneislandfire.com
- Pender Islands - www.penderfire.org
- Saturna Island - www.sifps.ca
Kootenay National Park
Fire ban Area closure
Parks Canada is actively managing a fire that began in Verdant Creek drainage of Kootenay National Park on Saturday, July 15, and has since grown and spread into Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.
| Air quality | Important bulletins |
|---|---|
| Air quality information | Fire ban: Kootenay National Park |
| - | Information about the Verdant Creek Wildfire |
Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks
Fire ban Area closed - Beaver Valley trails and area Mount Revelstoke - Backcountry camping restriction
Glacier National Park’s fire management team is managing active fires in the park. The safety of the public, our crews, park infrastructure and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada’s top priority. There are currently no people or assets at risk. Wildfire management actions or smoke may result in delays and/or temporary highway closures. Please check www.DriveBC.ca for the latest road conditions. Depending on weather, smoke may drift over the highway and/or to communities to the east.
| Air Quality | Impacts |
|---|---|
| Air quality statement |
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Fire ban
Yoho National Park
Fire ban
A fire ban has been issued due to the elevated fire danger and to prevent the possibility of human-caused fires. All highways and campgrounds are open.
| Air quality | Important bulletins |
|---|---|
| Air quality information | Fire ban: Yoho National Park |
Alberta
Banff National Park
Fire ban Area closure
A fire ban has been issued due to the elevated fire danger and to prevent the possibility of human-caused fires. All campgrounds are open.
| Air quality | Important bulletins |
|---|---|
| Air quality information | Fire ban: Banff National Park |
| - | Information about the Verdant Creek Wildfire |
Jasper National Park
Fire ban
Waterton Lakes National Park
Fire banArea closure
Visit our live park information page for information and links to help you prepare for a safe visit to Waterton Lakes National Park.
| Air quality | Important bulletins |
|---|---|
| Air quality information | Fire ban: Waterton Lakes National Park |
| - | Area closure: limited backcountry closure |
Partnership
As a member of the Canadian Inter Agency Forest Fire Centre, we work closely with other Canadian Fire Management Agencies, including provincial and territorial agencies, in delivering our fire management program. Our collective resources are routinely shared in order to best address fire management priorities.
In close collaboration with our partners, we are currently putting our fire management and suppression capability to use across the country during this fire season.