Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks under a fire ban due to high risk of wildfire

A fire ban is now in place in three mountain parks in Alberta and British Columbia due to a high risk of wildfires in the area which includes Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay national parks.

A notice posted on the Banff National Park website says the ban which also includes Yoho and Kootenay national parks in B.C., was issued Friday to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

It says it’s also for the protection of infrastructure in the three national parks. Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay national parks share boundaries in the Rocky Mountains.

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• Banff National Park prepares for long weekend rush

• Wildfire threatening parts of Clearwater County west of Red Deer

The notice says burning fires illegally in a national park can lead to a fine of up to $25,000.

Provincial fire bans and restrictions are also in place across southern Alberta, including in the city of Lethbridge’s river valley and in the town of Three Hills due to limited water supply.