The wildfire in the Verdant Creek drainage in Kootenay National Park has grown 10-fold since Sunday, now at about 2,000 hectares in size.

The fire continues to push eastward toward the Continental Divide. It is currently only 2.5 km from Sunshine Village and about 24 km from Banff, but still in British Columbia, to the west of the divide. The wildfire has also spread into Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.

The fire was estimated between 150 and 200 ha on Sunday.

Parks Canada reports it is still actively managing the fire that began on Saturday, July 15.

“Parks Canada’s first priority is safety of the public and our crews. We wish to reassure the public that Bow Valley communities are not at risk at this time and that Parks Canada is working to contain the wildfire.

“As a preventative measure, to protect nearby values at risk, an area closure was implemented and has been expanded today. All trails at Sunshine Village are now closed; however the village and the gondola remain open,” Parks Canada noted.

The highways and front country campgrounds in Banff and Kootenay National Park remain open.

However, numerous closures are in place, including the Verdant Creek area as far south as Simpson River in Kootenay National Park.

Smoke from the giant fire, believed to have been ignited by lightning, is blanketing many communities in Alberta, with air alerts in place. Smoke is also reaching back into the Columbia Valley.

For more information about air quality and air quality advisories:

British Columbia

Alberta

Photos courtesy Parks Canada

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