No evacuation, no out-of-control wildfires: Banff, Alta. urges residents and tourists to take precautions
Thousands of Albertans and tourists are expected to visit the town of Banff for a getaway this Heritage Day long weekend, but a picturesque view of the mountains will likely be hidden behind thick layers of smoke.
However, despite the haze, officials there are no active, out-of-control wildfires threatening the community and no one has been put on evacuation alert.
The smoke is coming mainly from British Columbia, where 240 wildfires are actively burning. Thirty-six are out-of-control and the majority of them are located in the southern interior of the province.
Although there are no out-of-control wildfires burning in southern Alberta, the Town of Banff isn’t taking any chances as rain is not expected in the forecast any time soon. That fact has pushed the wildfire risk to its maximum level.
“We’ve been in an extreme fire hazard for a number of weeks now, we haven’t had a lot of precipitation and with the hot-dry weather we’re obviously very concerned about the condition of the forest,” said Banff Fire Chief Silvio Adamo.
It’s why the town is now dropping off evacuation safety guides and urging residents to be take precautions such as having a go-bag ready filled with basic necessities, medications, and important documents.
“Certainly, we’ve put a lot of time and effort into preparing for evacuation and our number on priority is always getting people out of harm’s way,” Adamo said.
“We continue to update and engage our community on being prepared so that means understanding the risk, signing up for our emergency alert system and making sure that people have a plan.”
Some Banff community members are doing all they can to prevent wildfires. Chris Worobets, who is a FireSmart champion, participated in a an assessment of a forested area near his home.
He says a plan was developed to cut down branches of trees that are anywhere from about 10 metres to 30 metres away from a set of condos.
“We’ve been thinning the trees to increase the spacing and reduce the fuel loads and hopefully reduce the transmission of fire if it should come from outside of our property,” Worobets said.
“The whole idea of FireSmart is to try and keep fire away from flammable buildings and there are studies that these types of measures could help people survive a fire without any intervention from fire crews.”
Most of the province of Alberta is under some kind of campfire restrictions at the moment due to an extreme risk of fire.
Fire information officers in British Columbia are also warning tourists in Alberta to take precautions.
Jean Strong with the B.C. Wildfire Services says everyone should be aware of fire bans and properly dispose of all smoking materials as five per cent of fires in British Columbia were started by people.
“We’re still coming off an early spring and summer that was hot and dry, we say that heat dome and those drought conditions and we are expecting yet another heat wave in British Columbia this weekend,”
“We’re really warning people to be as cautious as possible; it might not be a good idea to head out to the back country and for everyone to always be aware of their surroundings.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
BREAKING Canada's inflation cools to 3-year low of 2.7%, in boost for rate cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.
Passenger killed, 30 injured as Singapore Airlines flight hits severe turbulence
One passenger was killed and 30 injured after a Singapore Airlines SIAL.SI flight from London hit severe turbulence en route on Tuesday, forcing it to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, officials and the airline said.
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
4 Indian nationals accused of killing B.C. Sikh activist to appear in court Tuesday
Four Indian nationals accused in the murder of British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar are all due in court Tuesday.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Trudeau making 'Team Canada' pitch in visit to Philadelphia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia today, on his first trip south of the border since his government launched a new 'Team Canada' charm offensive in the United States.