Fire guard near Alberta-B.C. boundary to protect Lake Louise and Field
![Fire guard near Alberta-B.C. boundary A fire guard is being built near Ross Lake in B.C.'s Yoho National Park, Parks Canada says. Once its done, it will help protect Lake Louise and Field. (Supplied)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/11/28/fire-guard-near-alberta-b-c--boundary-1-6664203-1701194706155.jpeg)
Work has begun on a critical piece of infrastructure designed to protect two mountain communities from wildfires.
Parks Canada says the 49-hectare Ross Lake fire guard in B.C.'s Yoho National Park is being built next to Highway 1, north of Ross Lake.
"Once finished, the Ross Lake fire guard will create a landscape-level forest fuel break which will reduce the risk of wildfire to the communities of Lake Louise (Alta.), Field (B.C.), and surrounding areas," officials said in a statement.
"This project will improve safety for park visitors and residents while creating high-quality habitat for local species."
The work includes the construction of temporary roads that will allow machines to get into the area to remove trees.
During the project, drivers heading through the area should expect noise and truck activity near the Lake O'Hara exit.
There could also be wood and debris piled up near the site and those in the area should also expect to see smoke.
"Every effort will be made to limit smoke during pile burning operations, however, unpredicted changes in weather can increase and/or redirect smoke. Although unlikely, motorists should be prepared for potential delays and reduced visibility on sections of BC Highway 1 while burning is taking place," Parks Canada said.
The creation of the fire guard will help to clear out dense areas of forest that have built up over years of fire suppression in the area, officials said.
Those areas have proven to lead to intense wildfires that can spread quickly across the landscape.
Work on the fire guard is expected to be complete by late March 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
Trump campaigns in Wisconsin just days ahead of debate with Harris
With just days to go before his first — and likely only — debate against U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump leaned into his familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to the border as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to win the U.S. Open for her third Grand Slam title
Aryna Sabalenka got past Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a rollicking U.S. Open women’s final Saturday to win her first championship at Flushing Meadows and third Grand Slam title of her career.