A fire that has been burning in the Numa Creek drainage on the western side of Kootenay National Park for almost a month has “significantly” grown, Parks Canada is reporting.

“The Numa Creek wildfire in Kootenay National Park grew significantly during the afternoon of August 22, due to strong winds. Fire crews will fly over this morning to obtain an accurate and current size of the fire,” a Parks Canada press release notes.

A visible smoke column was produced and carried east to the Bow Valley, affecting Banff, Canmore, and as far as Calgary. Fire Management crews are on the ground today and taking appropriate control actions.

The fire began on July 25.

Highway 93 S remains open. Signage is in place indicating no stopping zones due to smoke in the area. If visibility is reduced, flagging crews are on stand-by to take appropriate actions.

Floe Lake trail and campground remain open, however all pre-existing closures remain in place. Helmet Falls trail and campground is currently inaccessible due to closures of the Paint Pot/Marble Canyon junction trail because of a grizzly bear feeding in the area.

The Paint Pots day use area will be closed and used as a staging site for crews today.

Parks Canada is asking motorists to obey all posted signage and exercise caution driving along Highway 93S.

Visitors with smoke sensitivities should avoid using the area.

Photos courtesy Parks Canada

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