Wildfire threatens Waterton Lakes National Park, forcing closure of backcountry

A nearby wildfire and an extreme fire hazard have forced Parks Canada to shut down mostbackcountry use in Waterton Lakes National Park until further notice.

"It has spread since we noticed it on August 30, to the boundary of the park," said John Stoesser, the fire information officer for Waterton Lakes.

"There are some spot fires coming over into Waterton Lakes National Park, so we have some helicopters directly bucketing water onto those spot fires."

The fire is burning mostly in B.C., according to Stoesser.

The townsiteremains open, but all off-trail hiking, scrambling and climbingin the park is prohibited. Crandellcampground and all backcountry campgrounds areclosed, as is the Red Rock Parkway.

Visitors can still access the Cameron Lake day-use area, but any use of the lake is prohibited.

• National park's temporary closure due to overcrowding not expected to happen elsewhere, Parks says

Anyone caught in the closed areas could face a fine up to $25,000.

"It's hot and dry outside. It's been a very hot and dry summer so there's been some significant movement of this fire over the past couple of days," said Stoesser.

Several trails near the townsiteand on the east side of the chain of lakes are still open.

• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |'It is a real danger': Farmer says dry conditions have sparked fear of fire in southern Alberta
• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Sausage master serves up hot dog tips for Labour Day