Headed west of Calgary this weekend? Here's what you need to know
Wildfires continue to rage in British Columbia, putting the province under a state of emergency, meaning Calgarians headed west this weekend will encounter smoke, fire bans and potential warnings.
A fire ban is in place in the Town of Banff and Banff National Park, with campfires and charcoal barbecues not allowed, but propane or gas fuel heat sources are exempt.
Violators could face hefty fines of $500 in the town site, which goes up to $25,000 in the park.
Further west, there are 275 wildfires burning across B.C., costing the province an estimate $196 million so far in what could potentially become the most expensive fire season in the province's history.
Alberta is sending support with 350 Edmonton soldiers headed to the Vernon, B.C. area, in the province's Interior region.
Firefighters from Mexico are also on the way to B.C.
Some popular destinations for Albertans are experiencing fires; a blaze at the shore of Mara Lake was threatening the town of Sicamous, B.C., but now appears flames are moving away from the town.
Select regions near Shuswap Lake are also under evacuation order.
In Alberta, the majority of fires burning are in the north and none are considered out of control, but officials say the risk here in the southwest continues to be very high.
The City of Calgary has lifted its fire ban.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.