People who may be heading to a popular B.C. vacation spot for the Heritage Day long weekend may have to use an alternate way to get there after wildfires forced the closure of one main highway and are causing visibility problems on other highways.   

Highway 93 was closed this morning (August 2) in both directions between Radium Hot Springs and the B.C. - Alberta border due the the Verdant Creek wildfire which is burning in Yoho National Park and B.C.'s Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.

The 511 Alberta website says the highway is "closed due to smoke and poor visibility as a result of a wildfire in the area.  Visibility will be reduced due to smoke.  Please use alternate route."

The Verdant Creek fire now covers nearly 5,000 hectares.  Sunshine Village has become the fire's command centre for the second time.

Parks Canada reported last night that smoke from the fire was also affecting visibility on Highway One through Banff National Park.  

The report on the Parks Canada website said that highways will remain open as long as safe driving conditions can be maintained. If smoke settles or thickens in the valley bottom, motorists should expect speed reductions, flagging personnel and pilot vehicles to ensure safe passage.

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com