We are currently sitting in South Dekota on our way to Alaska. We were planning on spending sometime in Montana and then cross over into Alberta to see Calgary and Banff. I think perhaps though the wildfires and smoke have dashed that idea.

Is anyone else planning on heading into Alberta soon? Any thoughts on the wildfire situation appreciated.

Ken Calgary and Banff are over 500 miles away from where the fires are it will not be a problem

Ken,

We depart middle of next month heading through BC to Dawson Creek, then heading East through Alberta and don't anticipate any issues.

The wind is blowing the fire generally to the East towards Saskatchewan. From Calgary you will head West to Banff, then probably up Hwy 93 to Grand Prairie and then the start of the Alaska Hwy at Dawson Creek.

As Shane mentioned you will be about 500 miles from the West edge of the fire.

This is just one fire, as forest fires are a constant issue, here are the BC and Alberta sites for tracking forest fires.

- BC Fire Website http://bcwildfire.ca/situation/
- AB Fire Website http://wildfire.alberta.ca/wildfire-status/default.aspx

Thanks for the quick replies.

Good intel re: fires 500+ miles away, but what about the smoke? I would prefer to still go in via Alberta so going to keep a close eye on things. If you all hear of anything please post.

Here's the smoke effected area map as of today. Yikes! Dipping into Montana as well.

Oriana - you'll need to share some stories re: fires next time we are around one at a campsite.

I think that you will face smoke on you travels north no matter where you will go. It's particularly dry in the north west due to the El Nino. Our kids live in north west Ontario and have had their highway blocked by a fire which jumped over from one side to the other. Reports indicate that the fire burned area is already 10% of last years total and it's very early in the fire season.

In our last trip up the Alaska highway and into Alaska we faced lots of smoke (and ash). I recall sitting in a campground near North Pole Alaska and getting rained on by ash from a fire that was a distance away. We weren't in any danger (ash was cold, no embers).

Just be prepared!

Al,

We are enjoying a heatwave, since returning from Hawaii, we have enjoyed temperatures in the high 20's (mid 80's F), with 29C (84F) showing on the truck yesterday. Early indications show this is building to be one of the worst summers for forest fires.

Ken- your route should take you well West of the current fire and any smoke, as predominant winds are blowing the smoke generally East. You should be watching out for fires in Coastal BC, Yukon and Alaska, which are more likely to affect your route.

Thanks all - we are pushing more north tomorrow. Since the smoke is an issue anywhere we might as well just head north and deal with it. We are prepared.

Thanks again!