The 2026 prescribed fire season has begun in Kootenay National Park (KNP).

Prescribed fires play a vital role in keeping Kootenay’s landscapes healthy and resilient. They imitate the natural fire cycles that historically shaped healthy, fire adapted ecosystems.

Each prescribed fire is carefully planned and safely carried out by Parks Canada fire specialists to:

• Support forests, grasslands and overall ecosystem health;
• Lower the risk of wildfire to nearby communities;
• Prescribed fires are only ignited under conditions to minimize smoke and disturbance for visitors and nearby residents.

Prescribed fire season typically runs from April to June and mid-August to October.

Find details on Kootenay National Park prescribed fires.

Lead image: Sinclair prescribed fire, 2019. Kootenay National Park photo

Kootenay National Park

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