Banff and Kootenay National Parks: Verdant Creek Wildfire Update
Parks Canada continues to cooperatively manage the Verdant wildfire in Kootenay National Park and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park with BC Parks and BC Wildfire Service.
What’s new
A change in weather conditions resulted in an increase in activity along the northern boundary of the fire late yesterday afternoon. The fire remains on the west side of the Continental Divide.
Parks Canada is actively working to prevent the spread of the fire. The safety of the public, our crews, park infrastructure and neighbouring lands remains Parks Canada’s first priority. Parks Canada remains confident that the fire is not a threat to communities at this time. Parks Canada fire management specialists will continue to monitor the situation. The planned burnout operation to manage the spread of the fire to the south-west in Kootenay National Park, was cancelled yesterday due to the change in weather conditions.
What’s closed
To ensure public safety and to facilitate fire management operations, Parks Canada has reinstituted closures in Banff National Park including:
- Sunshine Village and Sunshine Village Road
- All trails in the Egypt Lake area
- Healy Pass
- Citadel Pass
- Sunshine Meadows
- Backcountry campgrounds Re16, E13 and E5
What’s open
- With the exception of these campgrounds and trails within the area closure, all facilities in Banff and Kootenay national parks are open.
- Shadow Lake Lodge and backcountry campgrounds Re6, Re14, and Re 21 remain open.
What to expect
Warmer temperatures are forecast through the week and will continue to produce increased fire activity. Smoke columns will likely build in the afternoon, followed by settling into valley bottoms in the evening. This pattern is expected to continue while hot, dry conditions persist.
Smoke may affect visibility along highways through and adjacent to Banff and Kootenay national parks. Travellers should check Drive BC and AB 511 for up to date information.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- A fire ban remains in effect in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks due to the elevated fire danger and to prevent the possibility of human-caused fires.
- 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 more information about Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_assiniboine
FOR CURRENT INFORMATION:
Refer to our website:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/securite-safety/feu-fire-verdant and our Facebook and Twitter channels.
Emergencies only: Report wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-4506