Parks Canada said Sunday the wildfire in Kootenay National Park that forced the closure of trails and campgrounds in both Banff and Kootenay national parks has grown in size.
The wildfire in the Verdant Creek area was detected on Saturday morning.
Parks Canada staff said Sunday they are managing the fire with the help of contracted helicopters.
Areas closed to the public include:
In Kootenay National Park, the Honeymoon Pass/Verdant Creek and Simpson River trails are closed.
In Banff National Park, the closure encompasses all of the Egypt Lake trails, including Healy Pass, Simpson Pass, Whistling Valley and Pharoah Creek. (See map below).
READ MORE: Edmonton’s air quality at high risk Sunday afternoon
Backcountry camping permits in the affected areas are cancelled until further notice.
“Visitor safety is a priority for Parks Canada and this closure has been implemented to ensure public safety and visitors are prohibited from entering the area until further notice,” read a notice on the Parks Canada website Saturday afternoon.
Sunshine Village and its facilities remain open.
Anyone with backcountry reservations in the affected areas is asked to phone 403-762-1556 or visit a Parks Canada Visitor Centre for more information.
The following areas were closed as of 3:15 p.m. Sunday: