Current wildfire status

Wildfire update – August 17, 2026

Status:

The 2026KO04 wildfire is now UNDER CONTROL. This means that suppression efforts have ensured that the fire will not spread beyond its current perimeter.

This will be the last wildfire update for this wildfire.

Details:

A fire crew is patrolling the fire and will action hotspots as needed. Parks Canada is also beginning demobilization, which is the release of personnel, equipment, and other resources as they are no longer required on the fire. This reflects the progress made in bringing the fire under control and the reduced need for resources.

This fire was caused by lightning on the evening of August 8, 2026.

There is currently no threat to public safety or infrastructure.

There are currently no additional wildfires burning in Kootenay National Park.

Additional Information:

To report a wildfire, illegal campfire, or suspicious smoke, contact Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch at 403-762-4506.

Wildfire update – August 13, 2026

Despite limited precipitation on the fire, cooler temperatures over the past two days have helped reduce fire activity, and Parks Canada fire crews continue to make good progress on containment efforts.

There is currently no threat to public safety or infrastructure.

Details:

More accurate mapping has been completed. As a result, the fire size has been reduced to an estimated 7 hectares.

Three crews assisted by two helicopters continue direct suppression efforts along the fire's edge. Crews are using pumps and hoses on the south flank of the fire, while two helicopters assist with water bucketing on the east and west flanks.

The fire continues to exhibit low fire behaviour under current weather conditions.

Motorists travelling along Highway 93 South may notice increased helicopter activity at Kootenay Crossing, which is serving as a staging location for helicopters supporting this wildfire.

The fire was caused by lightning on the evening of August 8, 2026.

There are currently no additional wildfires burning in Kootenay National Park.

With reduced fire activity expected to continue through the weekend, the next update will be provided on Monday, August 17, unless conditions change.

Additional information:

You can report any wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch: 403-762-4506.

About wildfire management:

Parks Canada manages wildfires using a zoning system that balances public safety, ecological benefits, and impacts to people and infrastructure. Fires in red zones receive a full suppression response, while fires in green zones may be monitored and allowed to burn when conditions are appropriate. Yellow zones fall between these approaches and can allow for a modified response.

Wildfire 2026KO04 is burning in a yellow zone. For this fire, crews are using a modified response strategy focused on containing the fire within its current perimeter and, with the assistance of current weather conditions, supporting natural extinguishment.

Ultimately, response decisions are based on ongoing assessments of factors such as weather, proximity to communities and infrastructure, fuel conditions, available resources, and containment opportunities. Public safety remains the top priority and guides all wildfire management decisions.

Wildfire update – August 11, 2026

Parks Canada fire crews continue to respond to the wildfire in the Ottertail Pass backcountry of Kootenay National Park (2026KO04).

There is currently no threat to public safety or infrastructure.

Details:

The fire is approximately 11.5 hectares in size.

Two four-person Type 1 fire crews are actively responding to the wildfire. Conditions have allowed crews to begin direct suppression efforts along the fire's edge. Crews are using pumps and hoses on the south flank of the fire, while two helicopters assist with water bucketing on the east and west flanks.

Forecasted weather conditions include cooler temperatures, precipitation, and a chance of thunderstorms over the coming days. These conditions may help reduce fire behaviour. Parks Canada has an initial attack crew on standby to respond to any new fire starts as required.

The wildfire continues to exhibit primarily low-intensity behaviour, with some candling and increased fire activity during the afternoon and early evening when temperatures are highest and humidity is lowest. This period is referred to as the peak burning period.

Motorists travelling along Highway 93 South may notice increased helicopter activity at Kootenay Crossing, which is serving as a staging location for helicopters supporting this wildfire.

The fire was caused by lightning from a storm that moved through the area on the evening of August 8, 2026.

Most of the smoke currently visible in Kootenay National Park is from wildfires burning elsewhere in British Columbia and the United States. If regional smoke conditions improve, smoke from this fire may become visible from Highway 93 South near the Paint Pots area and from portions of the Rockwall Trail.

There are currently no additional wildfires burning in Kootenay National Park.

We will provide updates as new information becomes available.

Additional information:

To report a wildfire, illegal campfire or suspicious smoke, contact Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch: 403-762-4506.

Please do not call dispatch for wildfire updates. Keeping phone lines clear helps ensure emergency resources remain available when needed. Updates will be shared through the Kootenay National Park Facebook page as new information becomes available.

Wildfire update – August 9, 2026

During a routine smoke flight, Parks Canada fire crews detected a small wildfire in the Ottertail Pass backcountry area of Kootenay National Park.

There is currently no threat to public safety or infrastructure.

Details:

The fire is approximately 6 hectares in size.

Parks Canada is responding to the fire with two four-person Type 1 fire crews working indirectly, supported by two helicopters.

The fire was caused by lightning from a storm that moved through the area on the evening of August 8, 2026.

The fire is currently showing low-intensity fire behaviour and is primarily smouldering or burning with small, low-intensity flames along the ground, resulting in slow fire spread. During warmer afternoon conditions, some increase in fire activity, such as isolated tree candling and darker smoke, could occur.

Most of the smoke currently visible in Kootenay National Park is from wildfires burning elsewhere in British Columbia and the United States. If regional smoke conditions improve, smoke from this fire may become visible from Highway 93 South near the Paint Pots area and from portions of the Rockwall Trail.

We will provide updates as new information becomes available.

Additional information:

You can report any wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Emergency Dispatch: 403-762-4506.

Please do not call dispatch for wildfire updates. Keeping phone lines clear helps ensure emergency resources remain available when needed. Updates will be shared through the Kootenay National Park Facebook page as new information becomes available.