A lightning-based wildfire is threatening to overtake Alberta’s Sunshine Village after high winds and unseasonably warm temps stoked the blaze reports CBC News.
Related: Yosemite Wildfire Forces Thousands To Flee (1,500 Homes At Risk)
Known as the Verdant Creek Fire, the blaze has spread rapidly over the past few days and although it’s only 2.5km away from the ski area, no evacuations have been ordered as of yet. 150 guests and some 100 employees are currently staying at Sunshine Village. An incident page has since been set up by Parks Canada and closures and up-to date bulletins can be found here.
“The fire remains on the west side of the Continental Divide, approximately 24 km from the Town of Banff and approximately 2.5 km from Sunshine Village. It is not currently threatening any local communities.” – Parks Canada
Sunshine Village COO, Dave Riley told CBC that never has a fire come this close to the resort but if necessary– there are pumps and sprinklers in place to protect the buildings. Hiking trails surrounding the resort remain closed to the public.
Smoke on the Water. A shot from our river float last night. @TravelAlberta @TourismCanmore @CBCNews #VerdantCreek #canmore #floatingcanmore pic.twitter.com/inuxTg3oS8
— CanmoreRaftTours (@canmorerafttour) July 19, 2017
Find the entire CBC article here: Verdant Creek wildfire in Kootenay National Park within 2 km of Sunshine Village