A portion of Highway 93 is now partially closed again in Kootenay National Park due to the Wardle wildfire.

Motorists currently in transit on the highway are being safely escorted out of the closure area with pilot vehicles.

Parks Canada reports it continues to manage the Wardle wildfire in the national park and Highway 93 South is closed to through traffic for fire operations today (August 7).

It is expected Highway 93 will be closed for approximately 24 hours.

If fire management actions proceed as planned, it is anticipated smoke will be visible. No local communities are at risk from fire operations or the Wardle wildfire.

The north and south ends of Kootenay National Park are open from Castle Junction to Paint Pots and from Radium Hot Springs to McLeod Meadows. There is no through access.

In order for the highway to be considered safe the following factors are evaluated, Parks Canada explained:

• The risk of falling trees onto the highway.
• Anticipated movement of the fire.
• Heavy amount of smoke that could affect visibility.

Columbia Valley communities and businesses remain open. Areas at the north and south ends of Kootenay National Park, including the Radium Hot Pools. Storm Mountain and Shadow Lake lodges remain accessible.

All trails, backcountry campgrounds and day-use areas remain closed from the Rockwall trail south to the Dolly Varden trail, including the Prospectors Valley area.

The Wardle fire remains at about 1,200 hectares in scale with 120 firefighting personnel, 10 helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment battling the fire today.

Parks Canada fire crews continue to monitor for new wildfires and are ready with the resources to respond quickly.

Check www.DriveBC.ca and www.511.alberta.ca for alternate routes and up-to-date information.

Parks Canada Images

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