BC Parks announced Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park will be closed effective immediately, due to a wildfire burning in the park.

The agency said the fire originally started in Kootenay National Park, but has since spread into the Lower Simpson and North Simpson drainages of Mount Assiniboine Park.

The BC Wildfire Service said the fire is estimated at over 4,000 hectares in size.

According to BC Parks, an evacuation of the area would be difficult as the park is mostly in the backcountry, accessible only by hiking trails.

The closure will remain in effect until further notice.