A wildfire caused by a lightning strike on Friday about 50 km west of Nordegg was classified as “being held” on Sunday.
Being held means given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past pre-determined boundaries, stated Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.
The fire was covering around 24,000 acres by late afternoon on Saturday. Twelve firefighters and four helicopters are managing it along with Parks Canada and aerial ignition operations started Saturday afternoon to burn forest to enhance natural fire barriers.
Alberta Environment said the fire is burning on both provincial and national park lands.
Highway 93 North and Hwy 11 remain open with visible smoke and people with smoke sensitivities are to avoid the area.
The Warden Lake trail is closed as well as the North Saskatchewan River from Hwy 93 to the Banff National Park east boundary.
Highway 11 is closed from Whirlpool Point to the Parks gate. Please check for updates on http://511.alberta.ca/Alberta 511. Smoke is visible from Highway 93N and Highway 11. We are asking motorists to obey all highway signs.