Fire ban lifted in Calgary, but officials urge caution

As smoke clears from Calgary's skies, the fire ban issued last week has been lifted.

The fire ban was put in place by the Calgary Fire Department on July 16 due to poor air quality in the city and was intended to mitigate health risks posed by wildfire smoke drifting into the city from B.C. and Saskatchewan.

But officials are continuing to urge caution around outdoor open flames, a message that comes as the British Columbia interior deals with numerous large wildfires.

“Despite this ban related to air quality being lifted, everyone should continue to be extra cautious with outdoor flames — especially the disposal of smoking materials,” Carol Henke, public information officer with the fire department, said in a news release.

“Calgary has seen higher than normal temperatures this summer leading to drier conditions and fire crews continue to respond to outdoor fires created by the improper disposal of smoking materials in planter pots and flower beds. These fires can smoulder for hours and lead to devastating and potentially deadly fires.”

Environment Canada recently lifted its special air quality statement for Calgary, with the city's air quality index at a three, representing low risk, on Wednesday. That number rose as high as 10, or high risk, during the city's fire ban.

Though Calgary's fire ban is over, restrictions remain in effect elsewhere in Alberta.

Elevated risks in the region put the entirety of Banff National Park under a fire ban, which came into effect Tuesday. Other bans in the province include Kneehill County northeast of Calgary, and Lethbridge County and the Municipal District of Taber in southern Alberta.

As of Wednesday morning, there are nearly 300 wildfires burning in B.C.

That includes the Sparks Lake fire, which is about 470 square kilometres in size, and the 2 Mile Road fire, which has put most residents of Sicamous on evacuation order or alert.