Prescribed burns start in Banff National Park

Smokebillowedup into the sky in the Bow Valley Parkway Friday after prescribed fire operations began in Banff National Park.

Parks Canada says the controlled burningwill continue until Oct. 20.

There are currently some closures in the areabetween Hillsdale Meadow at the east end of the Hillsdale split to the Fireside day-use area.

Entry is allowed into the closed areas by special permit only, and violators could face a maximum charge of $25,000 for trespassing.

The Trans-Canada Highway, otherwise known asHighway 1, remains open to traffic.