Verdant Creek Wildfire Update: July 30, 2017
http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/securite-safety/feu-fire-verdant
CURRENT CONDITIONS
The Parks Canada fire management team continues to cooperatively manage the Verdant Creek wildfire with BC Parks and BC Wildfire Service. Parks Canada fire management specialists remain confident that the Verdant Creek wildfire is not a threat to local communities. The fire is approximately 5,100 hectares.
WHAT'S NEW
To manage the spread of the fire to the south in Kootenay National Park, Parks Canada is planning to conduct a “burn out” operation of an area on Mount Shanks today, if weather conditions and fire behaviour permit.
A burn out is a fire suppression operation where fire is set along the inside edge of a control line or natural barrier to consume unburned fuel between the line and the fire perimeter, thereby reinforcing the existing line and speeding up the control effort. This technique is only carried out if conditions permit. The safety of the public, our crews, park infrastructure and neighbouring lands is Parks Canada’s first priority.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Warmer temperatures will continue to produce increased fire activity along the remote southern boundary of the Verdant Creek fire. This activity, along with potential burn out operations will potentially produce a large smoke column that may be visible from the Bow and Columbia Valleys in the afternoons, and may settle into valley bottoms in the evening. This pattern is expected to continue for a few days.
Air quality advisories and more information are available from these provincial government agencies:
Alberta
British Columbia
Smoke from wildfires may impact road conditions and transportation corridors. Depending on weather conditions, motorists may experience reduced visibility due to smoke. Check www.DriveBC.ca and www.alberta511.ca for the most up-to-date information on road conditions.
OTHER INFORMATION AND LINKS
All facilities in Banff and Kootenay national parks are open, except for the area closures.
The following backcountry area closures remain in place within Banff and Kootenay National Parks:
Fatigue Creek and Citadel Pass areas
Verdant Creek and Simpson River areas
Visitors are encouraged to check our website for current closure information and map
For closure information about Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
A fire ban remains in effect in Banff and Kootenay National Parks due to the elevated fire danger and to prevent the possibility of human-caused fires.
It is illegal to fly an unmanned air vehicle (UAV, or drone) in a national park.
Current
Frequently Asked Questions are posted on Banff National Park’s website.
Report wildfires, illegal campfires, or suspicious smoke to Banff Dispatch at 403-762-4506.
*NOTE: Further updates regarding the Verdant Creek wildfire will be provided only when there are significant changes.*