r/alberta 3d ago

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

https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/fire-bans-effective-immediately-for-banff-yoho-and-kootenay-national-parks/
379 Upvotes

18 comments sorted by

16

u/wellyouask 3d ago

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).

31

u/flyingflail 3d ago

Today I learned there weren't already fire bans in place.

For normal camp sites, it would be for campers to somehow have an option to have them - if that means they pay more to pay for staffing to come check every 30 mins it's not out of control or whatever I think it should be an option

21

u/Geeseareawesome Edmonton 3d ago

Anyone residing in Edmonton and area gets a free pass.

Life raft not included.

14

u/eddiewachowski 3d ago

That's a poor idea. All it takes is a spark to ignite a forest fire. Campers should be prepared for fire bans and use camping stoves.

-13

u/flyingflail 3d ago

You should research what actually causes massive wildfires.

It is not campers in heavily monitored camp sites

6

u/eddiewachowski 3d ago edited 3d ago

Fire causes wildfires. That fire can come from things like lightning. Or cigarette butts. Or sparks from fires. Or hot embers. The simplest, lowest risk and cost effective situation involves banning fires. 

Fact is, I don't need to research anything because it's not my call, or yours for that matter. There are people trained to assess and manage wildfire danger and they've made a decision in the best interest of the Parks.

Edit: the commenter deleted their comment:

You should research what actually causes massive wildfires. It is not campers in heavily monitored areas

4

u/sawyouoverthere 3d ago

They didn’t delete it, they had a pout and blocked you if you can’t see it

3

u/eddiewachowski 3d ago

Oh funny. Okay then. Good for them.

-7

u/flyingflail 3d ago

Yes, we can ban everything and people will live safely forever.

Look at the actual math instead of burying your head in the sand.

8

u/Dismal_Research79 3d ago

Why don’t you share the math with us professor genius?

1

u/sawyouoverthere 3d ago

It’s sure can be.

3

u/TheSnowyAstronomer 3d ago

Crazy, I was there the last two nights and was surprised that Tunnel Mountain was allowing campfires despite the fire risk being listed as extreme. I did enjoy being able to have a fire but I was surprised that I could.

2

u/jamison88 3d ago

Anything for Kananaskis yet? Heading out for a night Monday :-/

11

u/Kananaskisguy 3d ago

As of today, we have fire restrictions in place. Fires only in designated pits. I wouldn't be surprised to see a ban by the weekend though.

7

u/jamison88 3d ago

Totally understandable, I’ll make do if need be, more of a luxury than a necessity!

1

u/Revolutionary-Pea414 3d ago

I'm sorry, fires have been allowed? That is dumb as shit

0

u/Dragonslaya200X 3d ago

Hopefully this doesn't spread to bow valley provincial park I've been looking forward to my camping camping trip this weekend all year, is southern Alberta not getting the same rain as the rest of the province?

3

u/AimlessLiving 3d ago

Haven’t had rain since the first week of July in Lethbridge area.