In the interest of public safety, the BC Wildfire Service is temporarily closing a portion of the Beaverfoot Forest Service Road near the Whitetail Creek wildfire, which is burning just outside Kootenay National Park and about 40 kilometres north of Radium Hot Springs.

Effective immediately, the Beaverfoot Forest Service Road is closed beyond the 47-kilometre mark (near the Symond Creek Bridge). No vehicles are permitted on this section of road.

The BC Wildfire Service is implementing this closure to minimize non-essential traffic and allow for more effective wildfire response. Please use extreme caution if travelling on the Beaverfoot Forest Service Road prior to the 47-kilometre mark, since there will be increased activity. Please do not stop on the road or impede traffic.

As a precaution, Parks Canada has also closed part of Kootenay National Park near the Luxor Pass, West Kootenay and Dolly Varden trails. Please visit Parks Canada’s website for details.

The Whitetail Creek wildfire is suspected to be lightning-caused and currently covers about 180 hectares. There are 65 BC Wildfire Service personnel on site today, assisted by six helicopters and five pieces of heavy equipment.

More information about this wildfire is available in the “wildfires of note” section at: www.bcwildfire.ca.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone, or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

Lead image: The Whitetail Creek wildfire. BC Wildfire Service photo

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