Evacuation ALERT for Waterton Lakes National Park
WATERTON LAKES NP – The Kenow Fire on the western edge of Waterrton Lakes National Park has not advanced further into the park, but it continues to expand. For this reason, Parks Canada has taken a pre-emptive stance and issued an evacuation Alert, in preparation for the expected continuing hot, dry weather.
Parks Canada is managing the parts of the Kenow Fire that could have a direct impact on the Waterton area.
According to a news release, “The fire ignited by lighting is primarily in British Columbia but started some small spot fires in Waterton Lakes National Park at the park’s northwestern boundary near Sage Pass.”
On Monday, two helicopters worked to suppress the spot fires, which covered about 0.5 hectares in the park. The helicopters will continue bucketing at Sage Pass if needed.
A Parks Canada national incident management team is on site, along with three initial attack crews and five helicopters. Another crew will arrive Wednesday afternoon. Crews are working on facility protection using water pumps and sprinklers.
As of Tuesday (Sept 5) evening:
ALL OF WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK IS CLOSED, with the exception of: