Fire management

When a fire ban is not in effect, you can safely enjoy a campfire in Banff National Park by following these guidelines:

• Keep campfires small, and only in designated fire pits or boxes. Fires must be attended to at all times.
• Use only firewood purchased in the area. Firewood should not be brought in from outside the park, but purchased at various providers within the park to prevent the risk of invasive insect species or disease from being brought into the park
• Completely extinguish campfires with water. Before leaving it, soak it, stir it, and soak it again until it is cool to the touch.
• Campers are required to purchase a fire permit before using fire pits in road-accessible campgrounds. Campfires are not permitted during quiet hours (11 pm to 7 am).
• Campfires are not allowed in some backcountry campgrounds. Check the backcountry camping information or ask at a Parks Canada visitor centre before setting out on your hike.

Be fire safe and follow these rules

• Never leave a flame unattended.
• Use equipment that is CSA or UL certified. Look for these symbols or check with the store where it was purchased.
• Do not throw cigarettes on the ground. Put them out and discard in a bin.
• Report any wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch: 403-762-4506.