A lightning-sparked wildfire in Kootenay National Park overnight has shut down Highway 93 South in both directions Wednesday morning (Aug. 1).
According to Drive BC, the highway shut this morning at 7:50 a.m. and a detour through Golden on Highway 95 is available to those travelling to the region. The estimated time of reopening is 2 p.m.
The fire is located near Vermilion Crossing immediately adjacent to the highway. It is one of four wildfires ignited inside the national park as a lightning storm crossed the region on Tuesday (July 31).
Parks Canada, the federal agency responsible for responding to the wildfire in the national park, was unable to provide details about the wildfire to the Outlook this morning.
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According to the BC Wildfire Service fire information map, the fire is two hectares in size.
The BC wildfire agency is also managing a wildfire located near Kootenay National Park in the Whitetail Creek area, which began on July 27. As of Tuesday (July 31) afternoon, the lightning caused fire is 205 hectares in size and is classified as out of control.
This fire does not currently pose a risk to visitors of Kootenay National Park; however, as a precautionary measure, area closures and smoke advisories have been put into place by Parks Canada. Visit http://ht.ly/LLaw30lbM4y for more information.
The agency also indicates that it does not pose a threat to Radium Hot Springs or any other community at this time. Seven helicopters, 65 firefighters and 11 pieces of heavy equipment are on site creating a fire guard to limit growth.
