Editor’s note: Parks Canada initially stated the Standish Chair viewpoint was open, but later clarified that it remains closed.
A new, small fire was started by a lightning strike in the Verdant Creek area Tuesday night, Parks Canada said Wednesday.
Two helicopters carrying water buckets were quickly dispatched to the scene in the Eohippus Lake area of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, and crews were on the ground Wednesday working to put it out.
Scroll down for the latest closures in Banff and Kootenay national parks
In addition to the small fire, Parks Canada says crews continue to be proactive in their fight against the spread of the now 13,500-hectare blaze burning in Kootenay National Park and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.
The Vermilion Pass Guard has been re-established to serve as a containment line in the north end of Kootenay.
The guard, which was first used in 2003, involves using heavy machinery to clear away any fire fuel, in an attempt to stop the fire from spreading into the Bow Valley.
Meantime, Parks Canada crews have once again moved out of Sunshine Village. The resort, including the upper village facilities and gondola, is open to visitors and guests.
Many hiking trails in the Sunshine Village and Sunshine Meadows areas are still closed, however, as of Thursday, Aug. 10, the Rock Isle, Meadow park and Twin Cairns trails had opened along with the Standish Viewing Loop.
The fire is still burning on the west side of the continental divide and still isn’t posing any threat to communities in the area, officials said. Residents and visitors should expect increased smoke in the area.
Crews are also working directly on the north edge of the fire to keep it from spreading closer to Highway 93 South, Parks Canada said.
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What’s closed 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.
What’s closed in Banff National Park:
- Ball Pass area from junction of Whistling Pass
- 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
A fire ban also remains in place in Banff, Kootenay and Yoho national parks.
For the latest update on the wildfire from Parks Canada, click here
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