Parks Canada representatives are crediting recent rainfall and cooler temperatures for slowing the growth of a wildfire along Snarl Peak in the Clearwater River valley.
The fire, situated approximately 80 kilometres north of the Banff townsite, ignited on Tuesday after lightning struck in a heavily forested area. The wildfire quickly spread over the next 24 hours, growing from 5 hectares to nearly 300 hectares.
As of Friday, the fire’s progress has slowed and its current size is estimated at 400 hectares.
Banff fire crews, assisted by firefighters Prince Albert and Mount-Royal Glacier National Parks, continue to build containment lines outside of the fire’s perimeter by removing deadfall and erecting sprinkler lines.
A section of the Clearwater River valley remains closed to park guests spanning from Roaring Creek/Martin Lake in the west, to the park’s eastern boundary near Indian Creek.
For additional information about park closures, visit Banff National Park – Important Bulletins.
With the recent wet weather, Parks Canada has lifted the Banff National Park fire ban.
