Smoke slowing highway traffic

Smoke from a fire in Banff is expected to cause delays for traffic entering the park from the east.

The Fairholme fire, which started as a controlled burn in May and flared up last week, knocking out power in the Banff townsite, is still burning.

From Aug. 15, 2003: Fire knocks out power in Banff

Ian Syme, a park warden in Banff, says motorists will have to watch for crews working along the highway.

"Smoke could come across the highway and we've got flag people out to slow traffic down for maybe eight or 10 kilometres," he said. "Slow down through that area, because it could be reduced visibility, and then resume their trip."

As well, Highway 93 from Castle Junction to Radium is open, but only from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Syme says travelling through Kootenay National Park will be slow going.

The Verendrye Creek fire is still burning close to the highway and Syme says the road will only stay open as long as smoke conditions and fire behaviour allow.

"The smoke is quite heavy on the parkway. Early in the morning we provide a pilot car service for people," Syme said. "There might be a little bit of a holdup until the pilot cars get a group of travellers together and then they'll take them through the burned area.

"We certainly ask people not to stop or try and pass and those sorts of things. I think once you see the visibility in there, you'll not want to try that anyway."