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No growth Sunday in Waterton fire, but concerns about weather Monday

Sep 10, 2018 | 5:55 AM

WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK – Crews battling the Boundary Wildfire had some help from the weather over the weekend.

Amid cooler temperatures with moderate wind, helicopter buckets were able to help minimize fire activity along its eastern edge, according to the latest update Sunday evening, Sept. 9.

Three Canadian helicopters and one from the United States were dropping water at strategic points.

Initial attack teams from Waterton, Banff, and Kootenay national parks were laying hose up the south side of Mount Richards, on the north side of the creek.

There was no growth Sunday in the 1,100-ha fire, which is 13 per cent contained.

Dry and windy conditions Friday helped the fire spread into Waterton from Glacier National Park in the U.S.

Parks Canada said there was a possibility of increased fire activity Monday, due to higher wind gusts and warmer temperatures.

It also expected smoke to be visible to park visitors.

Waterton Lakes National Park is open, but the fire has shut down the Bertha Lake and Bertha Bay Backcountry campgrounds, Bertha Lake Trail, and Lakeshore Trial.

In addition, to facilitate helicopter operations, the Bison Paddock Overlook, including access to Horseshoe Trail, is closed.