LAKE LOUISE – Parks Canada firefighters are fighting a blaze just north of Lake Louise in Banff National Park.
The federal agency said the fire, which started Wednesday (July 24), is just south of Hector Lake off Highway 93 North, also known as the Icefields Parkway.
Officials say there is no immediate threat to public safety of infrastructure at this time.
They have not said how big the fire is at this stage or when it was detected, but a photo shows a large plume of smoke.
“A fire crew is currently actioning this fire,” states Parks Canada in a social media post.
“This work will be visible from Highway 93 North.”
Bruce Miller, one of the new owners of the Lodge at Bow Lake – which is located about 15 kms away from Hector Lake – said some the hotel's staff reported the fire to Parks Canada Wednesday morning "and they actioned it very quickly."
Parks Canada says an update will be provided when new information of note is available.
On Sunday, Parks Canada initial attack crews were quick to respond to a small fire near Johnson Lake day-use area north of the Banff townsite during a time of extreme fire danger.
Parks Canada believes that fire was caused by an illegal campfire started along Johnson Lake shoreline trail.
The agency has yet to confirm whether the investigation into that fire has found any suspect or whether charges have been laid.
To report any wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke, calls Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch at 403-762-4506.
