Kootenay National Park Wildfire Now Under Control

A lightning-caused wildfire that burned for more than a week in the backcountry of Kootenay National Park is now under control, Parks Canada announced Monday.

The 2026KO04 wildfire near Ottertail Pass was declared under control on Aug. 17, meaning suppression efforts have ensured the fire will not spread beyond its current perimeter.

There remains no threat to public safety or infrastructure, and Parks Canada said Monday's announcement would be its final update on the fire.

A crew remains at the site to patrol the perimeter and deal with any remaining hotspots, while personnel, equipment and other resources are beginning to be released from the response.

The fire was sparked by lightning during a storm on the evening of Aug. 8 and was discovered the following day during a routine smoke flight.

Initially estimated at approximately six hectares, the fire was reported to have grown to 11.5 hectares by Aug. 11 as crews worked to contain it with support from helicopters.

That estimate was later revised downward. More accurate mapping completed by Aug. 13 put the fire's size at approximately seven hectares.

Cooler Weather Helped Suppression Efforts

By Aug. 13, Parks Canada said cooler temperatures had reduced fire activity despite limited precipitation directly over the wildfire.

Three crews and two helicopters were working the fire at that point, with firefighters using pumps and hoses along the southern flank and helicopters dropping water along its eastern and western sides.

The fire continued to exhibit low-intensity behaviour as crews made progress around its perimeter.

Unlike a wildfire receiving a full suppression response, the Ottertail Pass fire was burning in what Parks Canada classifies as a "yellow zone," where managers can use a modified response depending on conditions.

For this fire, the strategy was to contain it within its existing perimeter while allowing favourable weather conditions to help with its natural extinguishment.

That approach followed several days of direct suppression work after conditions allowed firefighters to begin attacking the fire's edge.

With the fire now under control, Parks Canada is demobilizing resources as they are no longer needed.

No other wildfires were burning in Kootenay National Park as of Aug. 17.