Parks Canada is monitoring the Uto Wildfire in British Columbia's Glacier National Park and Mount Revelstoke National Park by helicopter/Parks Canada

Parks Canada fire management crews continue to monitor the Uto Wildfire in Glacier National Park in British Columbia by helicopter and are using a remote camera for real-time updates. They have completed a fire analysis and outlined strategies to manage the fire that may include options to use natural features and/or back burning to contain the fire.

There is no current threat to people or infrastructure. Fire in this area can create a natural fuel break in the Beaver Valley, reducing the risk of larger, high-intensity fires in the future.

An area closure remains in place for the Beaver Valley trails and the area south of Grizzly Creek.

On  July 9, a wildfire caused by a July 7 lightning strike was detected. The Uto wildfire is south of the Trans-Canada Highway in a remote area of the Beaver Valley. It started about two kilometes (1.2 miles) from Purcell Lodge in the backcountry just outside of the park and has continued to spread away from the lodge.

Smoke may be visible from the highway in Glacier and areas as far as the community of Golden. It’s the only fire currently burning in both Glacier and Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Precipitation and low temperatures have helped to slow fire activity. On July 11, the Uto wildfire was about 170 hectares (420 acres) and by July 17 it was about 360 hectares (890 acres). The smoke column from the wildfire was visible from Golden on July 16. Fire activity picked up as temperatures reached 30C (86F), but cooler temperatures and rain are expected in the next couple days.

The fire danger in the two parks is currently listed as "moderate." Fire danger is an index that reveals how easily a fire could start, how difficult a fire may be to control, and how long a fire might burn.

People are asked to report any new wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada emergency dispatch at 877-852-3100.