Wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility in Jasper National Park.
Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for JNP Tuesday.
During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.
Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
The Portal Creek spot fire in JNP was declared extinguished on Aug. 1. Fires to the south in Kootenay National Park continue to burn, according to Parks Canada.
Ten helicopters and 120 personnel are currently managing the 1,200-hectare Wardle wildfire in Kootenay National Park. An update issued Tuesday said fire operations meant some smoke could be visible, but no towns are at risk. The fire is active on both sides of Highway 93S, and that road remains closed from Crow’s Pass Junction to the B.C. border.
The highway was closed for 24 hours starting late Tuesday morning for “fire management actions.”
The north and south ends of Kootenay National Park are open from Castle Junction to Paint Pots and from Radium Hot Springs to McLeod Meadows. There is no through access.
Columbia Valley communities and businesses remain open. Areas at the north and south ends of Kootenay National Park, including the Radium Hot Pools. Storm Mountain and Shadow Lake lodges remain accessible.
All trails, backcountry campgrounds and day-use areas remain closed from the Rockwall trail south to the Dolly Varden trail, including the Prospectors Valley area.
Visit https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay/securite-safety/kpn-knp-feu-fire-2018 for more information on closures.
Other fires:
A wildfire south of Kootenay National Park, near Cross River is visible from Kootenay Valley Viewpoint is being managed by BC Wildfire Service.
The Whitetail Creek wildfire, west of Kootenay National Park in the Beaverfoot Valley continues to be managed by BC Wildfire Service in partnership with Parks Canada.
The Porcupine wildfire, north of Banff National Park continues to be managed by AB Wildfire.
“Parks Canada fire crews continue to monitor for new wildfires and are ready with the resources to respond quickly.”
