Wildfire in Mountain Towns
The wildfire season in Alberta (March 1 – October 31) can be a scary and challenging time for residents in mountain towns including those in the Bow Valley. Many newcomers to the Bow Valley may be learning about wildfire and emergency preparedness for the first time and could feel overwhelmed.
We have prepared this information for local Bow Valley employers, agencies, non-profit groups and all Bow Valley Residents. It is important to consider the unique needs of our diverse community
For workplaces, agencies and non-profit groups
Multi language resources for workplaces
Supporting immigrants, refugees and newcomers during wildfire season
How can my workplace help myself and others to be prepared?
As part of your workplace Emergency Preparedness plan, we encourage you to find out the preferred languages of employees, so that you can access relevant interpretation services or translated materials quickly.
60 second videos, fact sheets, posters and other material are available at the link below to help you be better prepared for an emergency.
Wildfire factsheet and check lists are available in 10 different languages including:
українською (Ukrainian)
عربي (Arabic)
简体中文 (Simplified Chinese)
繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese)
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi)
Deutsch (High German)
Plautdietsch (Low German)
Español (Spanish)
Français (French)
Tagalog (Tagalog).
Update your Emergency Preparedness plan:
https://www.inclusioncharter.ca/emergency-plan-2024
Know how to reach English language learners in your workplace:
https://bvipartnership.com/resourc.../reach-english-learners
Update your emergency contact plan:
https://bvipartnership.com/resources-blog/contact-plan
Multilingual Mass Text Messaging:
https://bvipartnership.com/resources-blog/mass-texts
Emergency Alerts
Encourage your workforce to sign up for emergency alerts at the following links:
Town of Banff: https://banff.ca/1231/Register-for-Emergency-Alerts
Town of Canmore: https://www.canmore.ca/.../public.../emergency-preparedness
MD of Bighorn: https://www.mdbighorn.ca/687/Voyent-Alert
Foreign born workers should be encouraged to follow their consulate for requests on when and where to check in during an emergency. They may be able to access additional resources
Questions on immigration status and lost documentation during 2024 Wildfire Season
There are temporary measures in place to help replace documents and extend certain immigrations statuses. Community members directly affected by the wildfires, you can apply for FREE to:
Replace citizenship, immigration or travel documents (including passports) that have been lost, damaged or destroyed
Extend or restore your temporary resident status
Transition from an employer-specific work permit to an open work permit if you’re unable to work for your current employer
These special measures start July 19, 2024 and end November 30, 2024.
For more information visit:
More resources:
Settlement Services in the Bow Valley
Free, local, confidential support for Permanent Resident of Canada (PRs)
This team can help temporary foreign workers with questions about working holiday visas, IEC permit, etc.
General information for all Bow Valley residents
What is wildfire season
How to be prepared before, during and after a wildfire.
Resources to help you make your evacuation plan.
How to find information in case of an emergency.
How to care for your health when there is wildfire smoke.
How to care for your mental health during emergencies.
What is wildfire season and why should you prepare for it?
A wildfire is a fire that takes place in a forest, grassland, brushland and urban green spaces like ravines and parks. In some countries these fires could be called forest fires, brush fires, veld fires and other names.
In Alberta, wildfire season runs from March 1 until October 31 every year. Wildfires around the province can affect communities in different ways, and it is important to be prepared to evacuate in an emergency.
How can I prepare before, during and after a wildfire?
It is important to understand what to do before, during and after a wildfire emergency. Being prepared for these steps helps the community be prepared together.
60 second videos, fact sheets, posters and other material are available at the link below to help you be better prepared for an emergency.
Wildfire factsheet and check lists are available in 10 different languages including:
українською (Ukrainian)
عربي (Arabic)
简体中文 (Simplified Chinese)
繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese)
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi)
Deutsch (High German)
Plautdietsch (Low German)
Español (Spanish)
Français (French)
Tagalog (Tagalog).
How can I stay informed about wildfire activity in my area?
During an emergency it is important that you follow all instructions from your local municipality and the province of Alberta. If you need to evacuate you will receive instructions on when to leave and where to go. It can be helpful to know more information about wildfires burning near your community. During a wildfire emergency you should only call dispatch lines for emergencies or to report a new fire. You can find more information on wildfires by following these steps:
Sign up for emergency alerts.
Town of Banff: https://banff.ca/1231/Register-for-Emergency-Alerts
Town of Canmore: https://www.canmore.ca/.../public.../emergency-preparedness
MD of Bighorn: https://www.mdbighorn.ca/687/Voyent-Alert
Download the Alberta Wildfire App or visit the Alberta.wildfire.ca website for more information.
Follow official social media channels for your municipality and National Park.
If you are a Foreign-born community member, follow your consulate on social media channels to stay up to date on requests to check in and additional resources.
How can wildfire impact my health?
Air quality in your community can be affected by wildfires burning in other areas. Smoke and debris can travel quickly from active wildfires areas. During times of wildfire smoke it is important to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from exposure. You can start by following these steps:
Keep all windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home.
Reduce outdoor activities to minimize your exposure time.
Drink plenty of water to keep your nose and mouth moist and yourself hydrated.
Here are some resources to help you check the air quality in your community:
Air Quality:
https://www.alberta.ca/air-quality-and-health
To learn about smoke originating from wildfires elsewhere in Alberta and B.C.:
https://www.firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current
Wildfire smoke and your health:
Wildfire smoke and your mental health:
How can emergencies impact my mental health?
Emergencies such as wildfire can heighten anxiety and have negative effects on your mental health. For a full list of Bow Valley mental health resources, visit: