Parks Canada Prescribed Burn Near Banff Becomes Out-of-Control Fire

A prescribed burn by Parks Canada near Banff got out of control, when the wind picked up on Wednesday afternoon.

Parks Canada said it was carrying out a prescribed burn at Compound Meadows in Banff National Park on Wednesday, when the fire crossed to the east side of Banff Avenue to the Mountain view Cemetery “due to an unexpected shift in wind direction and speed, the fire escaped the predetermined boundary.”

According to the Parks Canada on Twitter, “about 3 hectares were burned outside of the unit boundary. Smoke and flames were highly visible from Banff Avenue, Hwy 1 and the Town of Canmore.”

The fire was classified as “Being Held” thanks to helicopter bucketing, fire personnel and assisting agencies, said Parks Canada. “Evening precipitation has further assisted with suppression and given current weather conditions and resources, the fire is not anticipated to grow beyond expected boundaries.”

They further assured that “personnel will be in the area patrolling roads and additional resources will be available as required throughout the evening hours.”

Parks Canada said more information will be provided by 10:30am on Thursday.

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