A 2,400 hectare controlled fire along the Bow Valley Parkway has prompted officials to close a section of Banff National Park.
The Sawback Prescribed Fire will restrict visitor access in the area between Hillsdale Meadow (at the east end of the Hillsdale split) and the Fireside day-use area from October 10 - 20, 2014.
Watch for fire information kiosks on #Hwy1 at the Big Rock Rest Area and the Redearth parking lot. #prescribedfire pic.twitter.com/jRq8dsiz4G
— Banff National Park (@BanffNP) October 10, 2014
Violators of the area restrictions will be charged and face a maximum fine of $25,000.
Highway 1A (The Bow Valley Parkway) will remain open to traffic.
According to Parks Canada, the prescribed fire is intended to restore and improve wildlife habitat, for animals including grizzly bears, while reducing animal deaths by creating quality habitats far from highways and train corridors. Douglas-fir and Whitebark pine are expected to flourish as a result of the burn.
For more information visit Sawback Prescribed Fire 2014
