Parks Canada’s Lake Louise, Yoho & Kootenay field unit (LLYK) reports that the Numa Creek wildfire is being contained in the upper drainage and it remains about 80 hectares in size.

“Following a successful back burning operation last week, accompanied by eight to 10 mm of rain, the Numa Creek wildfire continues to be contained in the upper Numa Creek valley. The fire is currently 80 ha in size but is producing little visible smoke. The management strategy for the fire is to keep it contained within the Numa drainage, rather than directly suppress it. Due to the difficult terrain, direct suppression poses a safety threat to fire crews,” reported Lindsay McPherson, LLYK Fire Communications Officer August 8.

Impacts in and around Kootenay National Park

· Fire crews continue to monitor conditions and will look at opening the Numa trail, campsite and drainage once rainfall thresholds are met.

· Floe Lake trail, campground and adjacent passes remain open.

· Helmet Falls trail, campground and adjacent passes remain open.

· Tumbling and Helmet/Ochre campgrounds remain open.

· The continuous Rockwall trail from Floe Lake through to Helmet Falls is not accessible, as the following closures are in effect: Numa Creek trail, campground and drainage due to wildfire,

Tumbling creek trail due to bridges out.

Other information

· Visitor safety is our top priority.

· Visitors with smoke sensitivities should avoid using the area.

· Wildland fire plays an important ecological role within the Mountain Parks. Fire is beneficial to White Bark Pine recovery, an endangered species present in the Numa Creek drainage. http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/mtn/feuveg-fireveg/veg-veg/pin-pine.aspx

Additionally, Parks Canada has downgraded the fire danger to moderate throughout the Lake Louise, Yoho & Kootenay field unit.

e-KNOW

Photo of Numa Creek wildfire on July 31 by Pat Morrow.

---

Article Share

---