Parks Canada working to contain 'out of control' fire near Banff, Alta.
CBC
A prescribed burn near Banff, Alta., on Wednesday afternoon crossed over from the intended area to the east side of Banff Avenue — prompting an evacuation of people and animals.
"The fire in Banff National Park remains 'Out of Control' at this time," wrote Parks Canada on Twitter, adding they are working with the Town of Banff and the RCMP to manage a situation they said is rapidly evolving.
The Trans Canada Highway remains open but delays are expected due to smoke. Parks Canada urged people to avoid the area.
There are no official evacuation orders in place. However, the Rocky Mountain Resort has been evacuated as a precautionary measure and the Banff Light Horse Association has removed their horses.
RCMP told CBC News they were requested to the Light Horse association grounds near Mountain View Cemetery to assist with evacuating the area.
"The fire has travelled beyond the planned burn area with smoke and flames visible from Banff Avenue and the Trans Canada Highway," Kira Tryon, a spokesperson for Parks Canada, said in a statement.
"There is no immediate threat to the Town of Banff."
The prescribed burn began earlier on Wednesday and was planned for 300 hectares on either side of the Trans Canada Highway.
During the spring last year, Parks Canada burned 125 hectares out of the 300 within the Compound Meadows prescribed fire unit.
"The prescribed fire will help to decrease the wildfire hazard to the Town of Banff by reducing the build up of flammable vegetation," reads a statement on the Parks Canada website.
