VERMILION CROSSING – The Wardle wildfire burning in Kootenay National Park is being held and not expected to spread, according to an update from Parks Canada on Aug. 20.
Cooler temperatures and rain on Sunday night helped slow the growth of the wildfire currently burning along Highway 93 South in B.C.
The fire has so far burned 3,600 hectares and is not expected to spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries given the prevailing and forecasted conditions.
At the height of the fire, 12 helicopters, nine pieces of heavy equipment and 165 personnel were called upon to fight the fire, which began on Aug. 2 following a lightning storm.
As of Monday (Aug. 20), six helicopters, four pieces of heavy equipment and 130 personnel continued to manage the fire.
Parks Canada also lifted two area closures at the north end of the park, including the northern section of the Rockwall trail north of Tumbling Pass. The southern section of the trail including Floe Lake Campground and Numa Creek Campground along with the Floe Lake Trail and Numa Creek Trail, remain closed.
Highway 93 South also continues to be affected by intermittent closures and reduced speeds due to wildfire activity, smoke and fire suppression activities. A no stopping zone along the fire-affected area also remains in effect.
Parks Canada also confirmed that the Whitetail Creek wildfire, in the Beaverfoot Valley, has entered Kootenay National Park at the western boundary. About 20 hectares of the park have so far been burned and Parks Canada is assisting BC Wildfire Service to manage it, which is 576 hecates in size.
According to BC Wildfire Service, 50 per cent of the fire has been guarded and 20 per cent of the fire has been contained. The wildfire does not pose a threat to Radium Hot Springs or other local communities at this time.
A fire ban remains in effect for Banff National Park as well as Canmore.
Check www.drivebc.ca and www.511.alberta.ca for up-to-date information about road closures and visit Parks Canada's website for the latest information about trails, backcountry campgrounds and day-use areas.
