Parks Canada continues to actively manage the Verdant Creek Wildfire and crews have made good progress to keep the fire from spreading in priority areas. Our fire management specialists are confident in our actions and that the fire is not a risk to communities in the Bow Valley. The fire remains on the west side of the Continental Divide, approximately 24 km from the Town of Banff and approximately 2.5 km from Sunshine Village.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The safety of the public and our crews, and protecting park infrastructure and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada's first priority.
- As of Monday, July 24th the operational closure of Sunshine Village will no longer be required and will be lifted. The Sunshine Road, gondola and Upper Village facilities will be open. Hiking trails in the Sunshine Village area remain closed.
- A fire ban remains in effect in Banff and Kootenay National Parks due to the elevated fire danger and to prevent the possibility of human-caused fires.
- Backcountry camping permits within the Banff and Kootenay National Park closure areas remain cancelled until further notice. Individuals with backcountry reservations should contact 403-762-1556 or visit a Parks Canada Visitor Centre.
- The BC Wildfire Service is taking management actions for parts of the fire in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park that relate to their infrastructure. For more information: www.bcwildfire.ca
WHAT IS OPEN:
All facilities in Banff and Kootenay national parks are open, except for the area closures. There are many frontcountry and backcountry destinations for visitors to explore. All highways in Banff and Kootenay national parks remain open.
WHAT IS CLOSED:
Backcountry area closures remain in place in the Verdant Creek area of Kootenay National Park and in the Egypt Lake and Brewster Creek areas of Banff National Park.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- It is illegal to fly an unmanned air vehicle (UAV, or drone) in a national park. Flying a drone or UAV during fire management operations is extremely hazardous. It endangers fire management personnel and aircraft, and impedes the important work they're doing. People who attempt to fly drones in these areas can face fines of up to $25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act.
- Current Frequently Asked Questions are posted on Banff National Park’s website.
FOR CURRENT INFORMATION:
Refer to our website:
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/banff and our Facebook and Twitter channels.
Emergencies only: Report wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-4506.