albertafirebans.ca map of Alberta as of 07-28-26
As the summer season stretches on, the early precipitation that helped stave off wildfire and fire ban concerns has begun to dry, and areas around southern Alberta are instilling bans and advisories.
There are currently only 3 bans active:
- City of Lethbridge,
- Cypress County
- Lethbridge County.
Areas within the city limits of Medicine Hat currently do not have bans or advisories, but double check where you are headed.
Advisories and restrictions are active for much of southern Alberta. The areas under advisories are as follows:
- Cochrane, Rocky View County
- Brooks and County of Newell
- Municipal District and Town of Taber
- Cardston County
For fire restrictions, the following places have active restrictions:
- Waterton Lakes
- Crowsnest Pass/Calgary Forest Area
- Piikani First Nation
- MD of Willow Creek
- Foothills County
- Vulcan County
- Summer Village of Ghost Lake
- Banff National Park, Town of Banff
- Canmore
Additional campfire information can be found here.
UPDATE: 07/31/26:
Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks have added fire bans due to “local fire danger, current and forecasted weather conditions, the amount of moisture in vegetation, the regional wildfire situation and the availability of responders and equipment.”
“Fire bans help ensure the safety of visitors, residents, and help reduce threats to park infrastructure,” Parks Canada said in a news release.
These fire bans prohibit the use of the following items:
- campfires (no wood or briquette fires);
- charcoal or briquette barbecues;
- turkey fryers;
- outdoor wood burning stoves (including cooking shelters);
- tiki torches; and
- candles.
However, you may not have to cancel your camping trip yet, as the following items are permitted during a fire ban, if used with direct supervision.
- portable propane fire pits (prohibited at overflow campgrounds);
- gas or propane stoves and barbeques designed for cooking or heating;
- propane or gas fueled lanterns (enclosed flame);
- patio heaters (propane, catalytic or infrared/radiant); and
- indoor wood burning stoves within fully enclosed permanent buildings (not wall tents or camper vans).
The agency asks anyone to report any wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-4506.
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