People with Heritage Day weekend plans that included a trip to the Radium area in B.C. are breathing a collective sigh of relief today (August 3) after Highway 93 was re-opened to traffic.

The well traveled road was closed in both directions from Radium Hot Springs to the B.C. - Alberta border yesterday when heavy smoke from the Verdant Creek wildfire made travel too dangerous.

Parks Canada reports on its website that a shift in wind direction allowed both ground and air fire crews to apply direct suppression to the northern side of the fire.

Parks Canada says travelers need to be aware that any change in behavior of the fire could result in more closures.  Watch 511alberta.ca and DriveBC.ca for changing highway conditions.   

The Verdant Creek fire, which is burning in Kootenay National Park and B.C.'s Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, is now estimated to be 11,000 hectares in size, double yesterday's estimate.  

The fire is believed to have been caused by lightning and has led to the closure of Mount Assiniboine Park.  

A fire ban is in effect in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.

 

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