Suspected Illegal Campfire Sparks Wildfire On Banff’s Tunnel Mountain

A wildfire believed to have started from an illegal campfire spread into vegetation on Banff’s Tunnel Mountain early Tuesday (Oct. 13), prompting a response from Parks Canada crews and a warning that cooler autumn temperatures have not eliminated the risk of fire.

The blaze burned on the mountain’s east side, east of the Banff Centre and above the climbing area. In a public update issued at 9 a.m. on Oct. 13, Parks Canada described it as a small wildfire and said crews had rapidly brought it under control. A helicopter was assisting with efforts to fully extinguish it.

Campers at the Tunnel Mountain campground reported smelling smoke during the night. Footage from the Sulphur Mountain gondola webcam also appears to show the fire around 3 a.m., although Parks Canada has not confirmed when it began or when crews were first alerted.

The agency said the fire is believed to have originated from an illegal campfire that spread into surrounding vegetation. That suspected cause has not been confirmed.

Parks Canada did not respond to questions from Bow Valley Insider about whether anyone responsible had been identified or could face charges or fines. It also did not answer questions about how the fire was reported, or the total area burned.

Under Control, But Not Yet Extinguished

The distinction between a fire being under control and fully extinguished matters. Parks Canada describes an under-control wildfire as one where suppression efforts have ensured it will not spread beyond its existing perimeter.

As of Tuesday morning’s update, that work was continuing on Tunnel Mountain.

The Town of Banff said the fire was entirely outside the municipal boundary. The Banff Fire Department was informed but was not asked to assist with suppression. Parks Canada managed the response.

The town thanked Parks Canada crews for their “extremely fast work” and reinforced the agency’s reminder about ongoing fire safety.

Cooler Weather Has Not Removed The Risk.

Despite falling temperatures, Parks Canada said vegetation across Banff National Park remains dry and highly susceptible to fire.

The agency warned that wildfires can spread quickly in those conditions, threatening nearby communities, visitors, wildlife and natural areas.

Campfires are permitted only in designated fire pits, where they can be contained and monitored. Parks Canada reminded visitors never to leave a fire unattended and to ensure it is completely extinguished before leaving.

The agency’s guidance on fire bans says burning illegally in a national park can lead to a fine of up to $25,000. Whether anyone will face enforcement action in connection with the Tunnel Mountain fire remains unanswered.

Another Small Fire Earlier This Year.

The wildfire updates supplied from Parks Canada’s Banff National Park status page document one other fire this year, on Whitehorn Mountain in the Pipestone area near Lake Louise in late August.

That fire was estimated at approximately 0.1 hectares. One initial attack crew and a helicopter responded, and Parks Canada subsequently reported it was under control, with no threat to public safety or infrastructure. Its cause was undetermined.

In its Oct. 13 update, Parks Canada directed anyone reporting a wildfire, illegal campfire or suspicious smoke to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-4506.