A wide-reaching fire ban has been expanded into additional parts of southern Alberta as the Verdant Creek wildfire affecting Banff and Kootenay national parks continues to burn.
Parks Canada said Thursday that fire activity is “expected to increase along the remote southern boundary” of the fire, which is causing increased smoke in surrounding areas.
“A potentially large smoke column may be visible from the Bow and Columbia valleys during the afternoon,” Parks Canada said in a release.
“Recent smoke visible in the Bow Valley and Highway 93S is coming from this fire and wildfires elsewhere in British Columbia.”
Parks Canada said the smoke could be visible in affected areas for a few days.
Click here for the latest alerts related to the Verdant Creek wildfire and Banff National Park
The fire is burning on the west side of the continental divide. Parks Canada reiterated that there is still no threat to any communities in the area.
WATCH: An unusual sight could be seen over the skies of Calgary Wednesday as smoke rolled through the Bow Valley
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, parts of the Forest Protection Area south of the Red Deer River along the mountains and foothills to the northern boundary of Waterton Lakes National Park were also included in the ban.
“Over the past few weeks, we have seen very little rain in the southern parts of Alberta,” Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Oneil Carlier said in a statement. “This has pushed the fire hazard to extreme levels throughout the forest, creating tinder-dry conditions and increased wildfire risk.”
READ MORE: ‘High to extreme’ danger across Alberta, BC parks spurs extension of fire ban
No fires are allowed during the ban, including campground fires, however gas or propane stoves/barbecues and portable propane firepits are allowed. Anyone who violates the ban faces a $287 ticket.
Check albertafirebans.ca for the most up-to-date information or call 1-866-FYI-FIRE (1-866-394-3473)