If you notice smoke coming from the west this week, it may be coming from Banff. 

Parks Canada is set to spark a prescribed burn near the Banff townsite today. 

The federal agency is planning to do a prescribed burn in a 150-hectare section in Compound Meadows, which is adjacent to the Town of Banff and the Trans-Canada Highway.

This is weather permitting. 

The reason for the prescribed burn is to help minimize the wildfire hazard to the Town of Banff. 

The blaze will help to bring down the amount of pine and spruce trees in the area and help stimulate tree and grass growth.