Wildfire in Mountain Towns
Last Updated: August 5th, 2026
Wildfire Season in Alberta: March 1 - October 31
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.
Emergency checklists are available in 10 different languages including:
Resources
Update your Emergency Preparedness plan
https://bvipartnership.com/resources-blog/emergency-planning
Know how to reach English language learners in your workplace
https://bvipartnership.com/resources-blog/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
Need additional support?
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.
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
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.
General information for all Bow Valley residents
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.
Emergency checklists are available in 10 different languages including:
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 Status Dashboard
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://airquality.alberta.ca/map/
To learn about smoke originating from wildfires elsewhere in Alberta and B.C.
https://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: