CALGARY – Parks Canada officials continue to monitor a growing wildfire in Banff National Park.
The wildfire started on Tuesday on the north slopes of Snarl Peak, and had grown to cover about 400 hectares by Thursday night. Since Wednesday, the area received just under four millimetres of rain; cooler temperatures slowed the growth of the fire.
“Fire crews will continue to work on containment of the fire over the next couple of days,” said Banff National Park fire information officer Dani McIntosh in an email to Global News. “Sprinkler lines have been set up and crews are cutting and brushing to clean up the area and prevent further spread of the fire.”
The fire was caused by lightning, and was burning about 80 kilometres north of Banff in a remote area of the Clearwater River valley.
“Parks Canada fire crews are using indirect fire management techniques through ignition and aerial support to contain the fire to Banff National Park,” said Parks Canada on its website on Wednesday.
The area has been closed until further notice and a fire ban is in place for the park, with the risk rated as “extreme.”
Parks Canada said the fire ban applies to all day-use areas, campgrounds, the town of Banff, and the backcountry within Banff National Park. Visitors and residents are only permitted to use gas or propane stoves during the fire ban, said Parks Canada.
A fire ban was also in place for Yoho, Kootenay, Jasper, Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks.
Officials are reminding people to always get rid of cigarettes in proper receptacles.
You can report any suspicious smoke or illegal campfires to 403-762-4506 or 911.
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