Fire information and updates
Waterton Lakes National Park
Do your part and stay informed on the current fire danger status and regulations. Your actions can help prevent human-caused wildfires.
Current fire danger
Current wildfire status:
There are currently no active wildfires of concern in Waterton Lakes National Park. Safety is always Parks Canada's first priority. We continue to monitor the park for new wildfires and are ready to respond.
Current fire danger in Waterton Lakes National Park is Low as of September 20, 2024.
A fire ban is not in place at this time
The fire danger in Waterton Lakes National Park is currently rated as ‘Low’. This means fires are unlikely. A fire will spread slowly, burn at a low intensity and is relatively easy to control for fire crews.
While we cannot avoid naturally occurring wildfires (ex: lightning strikes), we can avoid human-caused fires. Please do your part to keep our communities and first responders safe by not lighting illegal campfires.
If you see any wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke: Report to Parks Canada Dispatch 1-888-927-3367 or 911.
Fire bans are based on the 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.
Use of the following items is prohibited during a fire ban:
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Use of the following items is permitted during a fire ban:
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Use of the following items is permitted during a fire ban, with conditions:
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Portable propane Firepits
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Indoor wood burning stove - in fully enclosed buildings and must be CSA or UL certified
How to safely enjoy a campfire in Waterton Lakes National Park
When a fire ban is not in effect, you can safely enjoy a campfire in Waterton Lakes National Park by following these guidelines:
- Keep campfires small and in designated fire pits or boxes. Fires must be attended to at all times. Random fires are never allowed in Parks Canada-administered places.
- Completely extinguish campfires with water. Before leaving, soak it, stir it, and soak it again until it is cool to the touch.
- Campfires are not permitted during quiet hours (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.).
- Campfires are only permitted in some backcountry campgrounds with designated fire rings. Check the backcountry camping information or ask at the 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 Dispatch:1-888-927-3367 or call 911.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fire ban?
A fire ban is a legal restriction on certain types of fires to prevent human-caused wildfires. In a national park, burning illegally could lead to a fine of up to $25,000.
How does the park decide if a fire ban is needed?
Fire bans are based on local fire hazards, current and forecasted weather conditions, the amount of moisture in vegetation, the regional wildfire situation and the availability of responders and equipment.
Current and forecasted conditions are evaluated on a daily basis.
What is fire danger?
Fire danger is an index that tells us how easily a fire could start, how difficult a fire may be to control and how long a fire might burn.
Fire ban status is determined by long term trends rather than daily weather or fire danger.
Why is there a fire ban even though it is cold and rainy?
It takes a lot of rain to restore moisture to deep soil layers, trees, and logs that have dried out. Rain quickly evaporates when followed by warm temperatures and wind. This means fire danger can quickly return to high or extreme.
The regional wildfire situation may be more active. It is important for Parks Canada not to have human-caused fires that may divert resources from active wildfires in other areas.
Does a provincial fire ban apply to national parks?
No, regulations and conditions such as weather, elevation and forest health are not always the same in the province and national parks.
For more information on fire bans within the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, please visit:
Air Quality
For smoke and air quality alerts visit:
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