Travel advisories remain in effect for Highway 93 Monday, with drivers in Alberta and British Columbia warned to expect limited visibility due to wildfire smoke.
DriveBC said the smoke may cause issues between Radium Hot Springs and Highway 1 at Castle Junction. Travel was recommended between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. MT.
You can check Drive BC and Alberta 511 for the latest traffic information
“Drivers should anticipate reduced speed, possible delays and watch for traffic control personnel,” reads an online alert. “The highway may close without notice to ensure traveller safety.”
DriveBC suggested taking highways 1 and 95 as alternate routes.
Global News viewer Sylvia Cieslik said she was travelling on Highway 93 near Verdant Creek on Monday.
“Don’t recommend it,” she wrote on the Global Calgary Facebook page. “Very heavy smoke in the area. They have Parks Canada trucks guiding cars through the area. Safe travels everyone.”
READ MORE: Province bans off-highway vehicles in parts of southern Alberta due to fire risk
In its Monday update, Parks Canada said the north part of the Verdant Creek wildfire had not grown in size and remains on the west side of the continental divide. Crews were working “directly on the fire’s edge on the north” to suppress it.
People were warned to expect more smoke as temperatures rise, but officials said the fire doesn’t threaten any communities or the Bow and Columbia valleys.
“Along Highway 93 South in Kootenay National Park, the fire has grown closer to the road and burning embers have resulted in spot fires on the west side of the highway,” the statement said. “Parks Canada’s ground crews continue to work to contain the spread of the fire and helicopters are bucketing water.”
For the latest update on the wildfire, click here
Closures as of Monday
In Kootenay National Park:
- Area northwest of Honeymoon Pass Trail including Hawk Creek Trail and Kootenay Park Lodge
- Verdant Creek and Simpson River area
- Southern portion of the Rockwall Trail from Floe Lake trailhead on Highway 93 South to Tumbling Pass, including Floe Lake and Numa Creek backcountry campgrounds
In Banff National Park:
- Ball Pass area from junction of Whistling Pass
- Sunshine Village and Sunshine Village Road
- All trails in the Egypt Lake area, including Healy Pass, Citadel Pass and Sunshine Meadows
- Brewster Creek area drainage
- Backcountry campgrounds Re16, E13, E5, Su8 and BW10
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