FireSmart Banff

Banff’s Wildfire Risk

Banff’s unique geographic characteristics—the natural environment, which is also the foundation of the resort community’s success—and development in interface areas places the community at high risk of wildfire. During the brief summer months when our forests can dry out, the wildfire risk can be extreme.

With climate change, our wildfire season is getting longer, starting earlier, and covering more areas in Canada. 

All residents have a responsibility to understand fire risks and to learn about how our community can work together to minimize risks and be prepared for wildfire.

Tree Fuel

Wildfire Hazards Cleanup Weekend 2024

Join Banff’s Wildfire Hazards Cleanup Weekend on May 18-19

Do your part to get FireSmart. This is a great time to gather branches and other vegetation that can increase the wildfire hazard in your yard.  

Yard waste drop-off locations for free disposal:  

  • Middle Springs Drive by the entrance to Sulphur Court
  • Valleyview - Kluane Drive
  • Beaver Street Parking Lot beside the Fire Hall
  • Marmot Crescent/Cougar Street

Branches, stems and yard debris can be disposed of free of charge at these collection locations during Wildfire Hazards Cleanup Weekend.

To participate, please ensure:

  • VEGETATION ONLY – no building materials or yard/garage/basement garbage
  • No stems thicker than 10 cm (4 inches)  
  • No pieces longer than 2 metres (6 feet)  
  • Yard waste (leaves and grass clippings) must be bagged.

Please do not leave yard debris on your street or sidewalk, or beside neighbourhood bins.

FireSmart your home, property and neighbourhood

FireSmart is a national initiative to help property owners and communities understand the ways in which wildfire might threaten structures and property located in, and close to, forested and wildland areas, and the steps individuals and communities can take to reduce the susceptibility of buildings and property to fire.

The Town of Banff FireSmart Program provides resources, information and support for residents who wish to make their property and their community more resilient to damage from wildfire.

Home Assessment

Homeowners in the Town of Banff can request a free FireSmart assessment from the fire department. A firefighter will visit your home for approx. 30 minutes to check for ways you can better FireSmart your home. A new incentive program is available for residential property owners to reduce wildfire hazards by removing conifer trees and replacing them with deciduous trees. Request a free FireSmart Assessment from the Banff Fire Department to see if you qualify.

FireSmart Community

The most common misconception of FireSmart is that it prescribes clearcutting of all conifer trees and flammable landscape. The intent of FireSmart is to use discretion and find a balance of aesthetics while increasing the wildfire resistance of your home and property. 

Whether you are doing regular yard maintenance or making landscaping changes during renovations or rallying neighbours to address common areas, you can make choices that will help protect your home and community from wildfire. 

We live in an area that is prone to danger from wildfire, in the Bow Valley that is a fact of life. You can take action to reduce your risk from wildfire, and become FireSmart.

FireSmartFireSmart

FireSmart Your Home
During wildfires, airborne embers fly with the wind and can land in your yard, on your roof, or on the trees against your house. Help reduce the potential spread of wildfire by making your home FireSmart. 

Learn how to FireSmart your home: 

Last–Minute Checklist for Protecting Your Home and Property from Approaching Wildfire

  • Before evacuating:
    • Turn off air conditioning.
    • Turn off your home water, electricity and gas.
    • Close all doors, garage doors and windows. If weather seal or doors have gaps, seal with duct tape.
  • Remove everything combustible within 10 m of your home, such as toys, patio furniture, cushions, decorative items, firewood, and potted plants that are on and under your deck and within 10 m of your home. Prioritize the first 1.5 m (5 ft) around your home and deck moving outwards from there. Move all combustible items into your shed, home, or garage.
  • Remove leaves, pine needles and other debris from your roof and gutters.
  • Mow grass and weeds within 10 m of the house to 10 cm in length or less.
  • Clear all dead plants, leaves, and weeds within 10 m of your home. Maintain a 1.5 m non-combustible surface around your home and deck by sweeping or raking down to mineral soil, rock, or concrete. Remove all bark mulch within 1.5 m of your home.
  • If you have a propane tank located on your property:
    • Move propane tanks to more than 10 m away from structures.
    • Remove weeds and other debris from the area around large stationary propane tanks so there is no combustible material near the tank.
  • If you have a combustible fence that attaches to your home:
    • Secure the gate in an open position.
    • Clear vegetation and debris along both sides of combustible fence lines.
  • Prevent embers from entering your home. Check your attic and foundation (crawl space) vents to see if they are screened and in good repair. Use duct or metal tape to temporarily cover damaged vents and those with 3 mm mesh screening.
  • If you store cardboard boxes and other easily ignited materials near a vent in your attic or crawl space, move them as far away as possible from vent(s). Another option is to place tape over vent(s) at these locations. Be sure to remove tape when you return home.
  • Cover dryer vents and wall-mounted make-up air openings for furnaces with a plywood cover, metal tape or duct tape. Be sure to remove plywood, metal tape or duct tape when you return home.

Becoming a FireSmart Neigbourhood

The FireSmart Neighbourhoods Program is designed to encourage self-organized groups of residents to take the lead in implementing solutions for wildfire safety on their own properties. The Town of Banff is fortunate to have several committed neighbourhoods working together to inspect their area every spring and fall, to address hazards that increase the risk of fire spreading through the community.We need FireSmart Neighbourhood Champions
Being recognized as a FireSmart  Neighbourhood usually starts with one or two people interested in improving the protection of their homes and community. It is an excellent way to meet neighbours with a shared goal of preventing the spread of wildfire. 

Contact Banff’s Local FireSmart Representative - Sean.Lloyd@banff.ca and get started on becoming a Recognized FireSmart Neighbourhood this year.

Check out the FireSmart Alberta website -  to learn more about becoming a Recognized FireSmart Neighbourhood. 

Additional Resources: