Waterton wildfire 14% contained as water bombing continues

Fire crews are slowly getting the upper hand battling the 1,100-hectare Boundary wildfire at Waterton Lakes National Park, thanks to calmer winds and cooler temperatures.

Three helicopters continued water bombing strategic parts ofthe fire on Tuesday, successfully keeping the blaze from getting bigger, Parks Canada said in an emailed update.

"At08:30this morning, smoke and smouldering were noted, but no open flames," the update said.

On Sept. 7, the fire, which had been burning in Montana south of Waterton, crossed north over the Canada-U.S. border.

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"The U.S. Incident Management Team and Parks Canada are co-ordinating efforts and are in constant communication," the update said.

On Monday, crews established a hose lay on the north side of Boundary Creek running up the south side of Mount Richards.

"Aerial suppression efforts over the past days have been successful in holding the fire," Parks Canada said.

The fire is now 14per cent contained.

Officials have closed the Bison Paddock overlook, which includes road access to Horseshoe Trail, in order to facilitate helicopter operations.

Bertha Lake Trail, the Lakeshore Trail and the Bertha Lake and Bertha Bay backcountry campgrounds also remain closed.

Watertonwas devastated by theKenowwildfire a year ago that consumed more than 190 square kilometres within the park an area twice the size of Grande Prairie and comprising 38 per cent of the park. About 80 per cent of the park's popular hiking trails were impacted.

The fire led to a two-week mandatory evacuation and five homes outside of the park were destroyed.

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With files from Dave Dormer and Sarah Rieger.