Wildfire danger prompts fire bans in Alberta; air quality warnings issued

Anyone violating bans or restrictions could get a $287 ticket.

Fires also were prohibited in all backcountry campgrounds in the provincial parks that make up the rugged recreational area of Kananaskis Country west of Calgary.

Banff, Jasper and Waterton Lakes national parks also had fire bans in place, as did Kootenay and Yoho across the boundary in British Columbia.

Portions of Banff and Kootenay national parks and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park were still closed because of a wildfire on the B.C. side.

Parks Canada said 60 people and five helicopters were fighting the Verdant Creek blaze, which was estimated to cover between 25 and 30 square kilometres.

The fire was about 25 kilometres from the Rocky Mountain tourist town of Banff and 2 1/2 kilometres from the Sunshine Village ski area.

“Thankfully, the area between the fire and Sunshine is high alpine terrain, with little fuel for the fire to consume,” the resort said on its website Tuesday.

“Fortunately at Sunshine, due to our cut runs with little brush, we have plenty of defensible space to battle the flame.”

It said Parks Canada was working hard to prevent the fire from spreading into Sunshine Meadows with its scenic hiking trails or into the village itself, which has a day lodge, hotel and restaurants.

Hoses, sprinklers and other fire-fighting equipment have been brought in as a precaution. The lodge remains open for guests, but hiking trails are closed.

Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Wildfire danger prompts fire bans in Alberta; air quality warnings issued

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