Parks Canada warns about illegal fires, elk rutting season in Banff National Park
Parks Canada is expressing concerns over the high number of illegal fires throughout Banff National Park this summer, especially because of the extreme risk of wildfires.
This summer, Parks Canada staff have seen more than double the yearly average of illegal fires in the national park, fire investigation specialist Jane Park said on Wednesday. Parks Canada is reminding visitors to the park to keep campfires small, in designated pits, completely extinguish the fires and properly dispose of cigarettes.
“Our average is around 14 illegal fires per year for the past 10 years, and so far this year, we’ve seen 32,” said Park.
“There may be people visiting the parks for the first time and don’t understand what a designated and safe campfire is. We’re seeing a lot of campfires outside the designated fire pits within the national park.”
Considering the fire danger has alternated between high and extreme this summer, it is imperative that visitors follow fire safety guidelines. A few of the illegal campfires have resulted in a brush fire of the surrounding vegetation, said Park.
Fire crews were able to effectively put out each fire before it spread to become more serious. Fires are not permitted in areas of the park that allow for random camping.
Parks Canada is also alerting visitors that elk rutting season has begun and will last until mid-october.
Elk are particularly dangerous during rutting season so people are encouraged to stay at least 30 metres away from all elk, never get between male and female elk and not to park vehicles between male and female elk.
“Bull elk become extremely aggressive protecting their harems during the mating season,” says Parks Canada in an alert. “Elk may charge at your vehicle, which may result in damage.”
During elk rutting season, people should travel in a group, carry bear spray or an umbrella, watch for elk at all times and go out of their way to detour around them. It’s best to walk around elk on the high side of a slope or up hill while keeping at least 30 metres of distance from them.