Banff National Park reports double the number of illegal fires

BANFF (660 NEWS) – Parks Canada has seen the number of reported illegal fires in Banff National Park double this year compared to the average–and the season isn’t even over yet.

Fire and Vegetation Specialist Jane Park says, on average, they usually see 14 reports and they are already at 32 so far this season.

She says it could be attributed to the number of people venturing out who haven’t been to the park before and aren’t familiar with the rules.

“In the national parks, people are only allowed to have fires in designated fire pits. What we mean by designated fire pits are constructed fire pits made out of metal. In the park, you can see some of them in our day-use areas.”

Park says the conditions in Banff National Park right now make the illegal fires especially dangerous.

“The last few weeks we’ve had a lot of dry weather. Even some of the rain we have gotten has been really patchy so the vegetation out there is quite dry,” she said.

“Just a stray ember into dry vegetation can spread very quickly, especially if you’ve got a bit of wind. These illegal campfires can spread quite quickly.”

In addition to the dangers of a fire getting out of hand, illegal fires can result in a hefty slap-on-the-wrist from the government.

“From a legal perspective, you (can be) charged when having an illegal fire within a National Park. You can be charged under the National Park Act.”

“You are required to appear in court and pay fines up to $25,000.”