Parks Canada continues to actively manage the Verdant Creek wildfire that is burning in Kootenay National Park and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park using ground crews and helicopter bucketing. The fire does not directly threaten the Bow or Columbia valleys. A significant change in weather along with substantial rainfall is needed for the fire to be fully extinguished.
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.
What’s new:
The Bow Glacier Falls trail and Bow Hut access route, including a nearby portion of Bow Lake and lakeshore is now open. The closure was in place due to a wildfire caused by an illegal fire at Bow Lake in Banff National Park.
Some trails in Banff National Park have been closed in response to the recent BC Wildfire Service Area Restriction Order for the Rocky Mountain Forest District that closed Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. The closures are listed below.
Parks Canada continues to maintain the capability to respond to all new fire starts in the national parks. We currently have two initial attack crews and two helicopters ready to respond. We also maintain the ability to bring in additional resources as required.
What is closed:
The following fire-related closures are in place:
In Banff National Park:
- **NEW – The trails south from Summit of Allenby Pass, including Og Pass Trail, Hikers Bypass Trail, Horse Trail and Wonder Pass Trail.
- Fatigue Creek Trail, Fatigue Pass, Citadel Pass Trail and backcountry campground Su8
- Ball Pass Trail from west of Re21 to the Park Boundary and Re21
- The trails from east of Egypt Lake Warden Cabin to the Park Boundary which include the Talc Lake Trail and Red Earth Pass Trail
In Kootenay National Park:
- Area northwest of Honeymoon Pass Trail including Hawk Creek Trail
- Verdant Creek and Simpson River area
- The South western portion of the Vermilion valley
FOR CURRENT INFORMATION:
For current area closures and air quality information, refer to our website:
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/verdant-fire and our Facebook and Twitter channels.
Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park may be affected by wildfire, smoke and fire suppression activities. Drivers should check
http://www.DriveBC.ca and
http://www.alberta511.ca for the most up-to-date information. When Highway 93 South through Kootenay National Park is open, it is a safe route to the Columbia Valley. Should it be impacted by smoke or fire behaviour, alternate routes, such as Highways 1 and 95 through Golden, BC, add only approximately one additional hour of driving time.
Emergencies only: Report wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-4506.
NOTE: Further updates will be provided only when there are significant changes such as notable fire growth, changes to area closures and anticipated increase in fire activity that may impact visibility and driving conditions.