Kootenay National Park Wildfire Nearly Doubles in Size

A lightning-caused wildfire burning in the backcountry of Kootenay National Park has grown from approximately six hectares to 11.5 hectares since Sunday, while Parks Canada says the fire continues to pose no threat to public safety or infrastructure.

The wildfire near Ottertail Pass was first detected during a routine smoke flight on Sunday, Aug. 9, after lightning moved through the area the previous evening.

At the time, Parks Canada estimated the fire at approximately six hectares and said crews were using indirect suppression tactics. By the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 11, the estimated size had increased to 11.5 hectares and conditions had allowed firefighters to begin directly attacking the fire's edge.

Two four-person Type 1 fire crews, specially trained and equipped for wildfire suppression, remain on the ground, using pumps and hoses along the fire's southern flank. Two helicopters are supporting the response with water drops on the eastern and western flanks.

Motorists travelling along Highway 93 South may notice increased helicopter activity around Kootenay Crossing, which is being used as a staging location for the aircraft.

Fire Remains Primarily Low Intensity

Despite the increase in size, Parks Canada said Tuesday that the wildfire continues to exhibit primarily low-intensity behaviour.

Some candling and increased fire activity have been observed during the afternoon and early evening, when temperatures are highest and humidity is lowest. Parks Canada refers to this as the peak burning period.

Cooler and wetter weather could help crews over the coming days. The forecast includes cooler temperatures, precipitation and a chance of thunderstorms, conditions Parks Canada said may help reduce fire behaviour.

An initial attack crew is also on standby to respond to any new fire starts as required.

As of Tuesday evening, Parks Canada said there were no other wildfires burning in Kootenay National Park.

Smoke Could Become More Visible

Most of the smoke currently visible in Kootenay National Park is coming from wildfires elsewhere in British Columbia and the United States, according to Parks Canada.

If that regional smoke improves, smoke from the Ottertail Pass wildfire may become visible from Highway 93 South near the Paint Pots area and from portions of the Rockwall Trail.

The wildfire was caused by lightning from a storm that moved through the area on the evening of Aug. 8.