Parks Canada firefighting efforts continue to focus on containment of the 3,600 hectares Wardle wildfire in Kootenay National Park, now more than two weeks old.

A dozen helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy equipment are backing 155 firefighting personnel today.

“Fire crews and heavy equipment continue to work to establish containment lines to help stop the spread of the Wardle wildfire in the Vermilion valley. Crews are working on the ground at the fire perimeter and along Highway 93 to extinguish active fire, limit growth and ensure the safety of the public. Helicopters are intensively water bucketing the fire perimeter and supporting ground crews,” Parks Canada reported earlier today (August 14).

A travel advisory remains in effect for Highway 93 from Castle Junction (Highway 1) to Radium Hot Springs due to wildfire, smoke and fire suppression activities, and is subject to temporary closures to ensure the safety of the public.

When Highway 93 is open, the portion of the highway from the Paint Pots to Olive Lake is a no stopping zone for the safety of the public and fire personnel.

Parks Canada recommends travelling between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Fire activity is more likely to be reduced during these hours; however, smoke may still affect visibility.

Motorists should be prepared to wait at roadblocks intermittently or long-term with little notice.

Travellers should be prepared with enough fuel and supplies in case they are required to turn around and take an alternate route via Highway 1 to Golden and south on Highway 95. Highway 3 into B.C. at Crowsnest Pass is another option for accessing the East Kootenay from Alberta.

Settlers Road, access via Kootenay National Park/Highway 93, is closed due to the Cross River wildfire to the south of the park.

The Whitetail Creek wildfire, in the Beaverfoot Valley, has entered Kootenay National Park at the western boundary. The area within Kootenay National Park is estimated at less than one hectare. This wildfire continues to be managed by BC Wildfire Service.

A small spot fire on the upper slopes of Kindersley ridge in Kootenay National Park has been contained. Crews continue to closely monitor the fire for remaining hotspots.

A long-term forecast for hot and dry weather is expected to continue over the next few days and may increase wildfire activity.

Check out DriveBC for up to date reports on highway conditions.

Lead image: Parks Canada fire crew members working to extinguish the Wardle wildfire in Kootenay National Park. Hand tools called Pulaskis are used to break open the ground where there is active fire in order to extinguish it. Image taken August 12. Parks Canada photo

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