Editor:
After reading the article in the May 11 Outlook about Parks Canada launching an after-action review of the prescribed fire that got out of control near the Banff townsite on May 3, I wonder about the statement of Jane Park, the fire and vegetation specialist for Banff National Park.
It was extreme dry condition, temperature soured to 27 Celsius and fire danger rating was high, which led later for a complete fire ban in Alberta. But Parks Canada specialists still went ahead with their prescribed fire and considered it to burn safely.
People who live and work in the Rocky Mountains know the wind could shift here suddenly, especially in the afternoons. Parks Canada should know and plan their prescribed fire accordingly and not be “surprised” with it.
Eva Zidek,
Canmore
