Wildfire Update from Parks Canada - July 24, 9:30 a.m.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/securite-safety/feu-fire-verdant
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 operational closure of Sunshine Village will no longer be required and has been lifted: the Sunshine Road, gondola, Standish Chairlift and Upper Village facilities are open. The hiking trails in Sunshine Village remain closed.
Parks Canada will also re-open a portion of Brewster Creek area, but the Fatigue Creek and Citadel Pass trails remain closed.
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.
- 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.
- All highways in Banff and Kootenay national parks remain open.
WHAT IS CLOSED:
Backcountry area closures remain in place within Banff and Kootenay National Parks:
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.
Emergencies only: Report wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-4506