Forest access restricted north of Banff due to forest fire

CALGARY – Access to some forested areas north of Banff has been temporarily restricted due to a wildfire in the area.

The restrictions were put in place at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 11th.

It prohibits all recreational, industrial and public access in the affected area north of Banff and west of Rocky Mountain House.

“Area closures are not done lightly,” says Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Minister Robin Campbell.

“The protection of human lives and communities is our top priority,” she adds. “We are asking for everyone’s cooperation in following these access restrictions.”

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Officials say the wildfire covers over 5,600 hectares of land.

Closure boundaries

The closure extends from the mountains south of Highway 11 and north to the Cline River, east from the Banff National Park border to Whiterabbit Creek.

CLICK HERE for a map of the affected area.

Road closures

CLICK HERE for a map of the affected roads.

Park and recreation closures

Tourism, Parks and Recreation has closed certain areas under their authority, due to the wildfire conditions.

CLICK HERE for a list of affected parks.