Snarl Peak wildfire near Banff flares up after hot, dry weather
A wildfire sparked by lightning in Banff National Park earlier this month has grown in size after hot, dry weather and high winds in the area.
The fire was spotted on the northern slopes of Snarl Peak, roughly 80 kilometres north of the Banff townsite, on July 14.
It has since grown to roughly 400 hectares.
"Fire activity increased in the area yesterday due to high temperatures, low humidity and high winds," said Parks Canada in a release. "Smoke columns were visible from the Icefields Parkway and east toward the Sundre area."
Fire crews plan to use "indirect fire management techniques" to contain the fire.
"If conditions allow, burnout operations may occur in the next few days to prepare containment lines," said Parks Canada.
The park has closed the area from the lower Clearwater River Valley at the Roaring Creek/Martin Lake junction to the eastern park boundary near Indianhead Creek.
There is currently no fire ban in place for Banff, Yoho, Kootenay or Jasper but park visitors are encouraged to report any fires to 403-762-4506.
