Banff National Park, Friday, July 21, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
With temperatures rising as April comes to a close, prescribed fire season launches into action. The season for prescribed burns is usually April to June, and in August to October. As the season rolls along, Fire Specialists from Parks Canada will conduct various burns through the region that are meant to mimic the natural fire cycles, ones that historically shaped the Banff area into what it is now, without the risk of potentially over-burning. Some of the benefits according to Parks Canada, are restoring ecological balance and forest health, while reducing wildlife risks in those areas.
First regions with approved prescribed burns are Wigmore Meadows, Flint’s Park Meadows, Upper Red Deer Meadows, and Fairholme II.
These areas are only approved for controlled burns if the conditions in the area meet very specific criteria, and are designed to have minimal impact on locals and those visiting the area.
Parks Canada says, it’s first goal is always to minimize the impact of prescribed burns on visitors and wildlife.
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