There has been no significant growth to the 3,600 hectares Wardle wildfire in Kootenay National Park since August 12, Parks Canada reported this morning (August 18).

“Parks Canada continues to manage the Wardle wildfire. Significant progress has been made toward containing the fire; and there has been no significant growth on the fire since August 12,” Parks Canada stated in an update.

Fire and highway crews continue to work hard to contain the Wardle wildfire while keeping Highway 93 open.

Many of the personnel are working along the highway to extinguish active fire, limit growth and ensure the safety of the public. For their safety, and that of all travellers, new traffic calming measures are in place. To ensure safety for these crews and motorists, speeds are reduced through the area of the fire; flaggers may slow or stop traffic where required.

The highway may be impacted by more smoke and additional crews will be working adjacent to the highway, which Parks Canada warns could be closed at any time.

“Motorists should be prepared to wait at road blocks 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 highways 1 and 95,” Parks Canada said.

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.

On both sides of the Vermilion River, helicopters continue to intensively bucket water, and crews are working from fireguards built with heavy machinery to control fire growth.

No local communities are at risk from the Wardle wildfire, which has eight helicopters, five pieces of heavy equipment and 130 firefighting personnel working on it.

The forecast for continued hot and dry weather over the next few days may increase wildfire activity and smoke in the area.
While the fire continues to burn, much of Kootenay National Park remains open.

WHAT IS OPEN (INCLUDING DURING HIGHWAY 93 CLOSURES):

North Kootenay National Park

Great Divide day-use area;

Stanley Glacier trail;

Marble Canyon day-use area and campground;

Paint Pots day-use area;

Kootenay Park Lodge Store (8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Vermilion Crossing, only when Highway 93 is open);

From Highway 93 to Banff National Park

Vista Lake to Twin Lakes trail;

Boom Lake trail;

Storm Mountain Lodge;

Shadow Lake Lodge;

South Kootenay National Park

Radium Hot Pools;

Kootenay Valley Viewpoint;

Juniper loop / Redstreak trail;

Redstreak Creek and Kimpton Creek trails;

Kindersley/Sinclair Loop;

Redstreak Campground.

AREA CLOSURES:

All trails, backcountry campgrounds and day-use areas remain closed from Rockwall trail south to Cobb Lake trail, including Kootenay River day-use area, McLeod Meadows Campground, Dog Lake trail and Kootenay River boat access.

For up-to-date information.

Cross River Wildfire

The Cross River wildfire south of Kootenay National Park, is being managed by BC Wildfire Service and is visible from Kootenay Valley Viewpoint. It is estimated to be approximately two km from the Kootenay National Park Boundary. Settlers Road through Kootenay National Park is closed due to this wildfire. Visit HERE for up to date information on closures and evacuations related to the Cross River wildfire.

Whitetail Creek Wildfire

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 20 hectares. This wildfire continues to be managed by BC Wildfire Service.

Lead image: Firefighters load a helicopter with water from Vermilion River. Parks Canada photo

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