Kenow Fire still burning out of control but threat to homes, landowners diminishes
WATERTON LAKES NP – Despite receiving 6 millimetres of rain overnight, Parks Canada says the Kenow fire is still 36,000 hectares and classified as out of control.
The good news is that the fire did not grow overnight at all and the Waterton townsite and its structures are not at risk anymore.
Fire officials saywhile the cooler temperatures and precipitation are providing some relief, the evacuation order for the National Park remains in effect because the fire burned so deeply and the vegetation was critically dry.
No one should attempt to get into the park at this time to everyone except emergency vehicles and authorized personnel.
South Castle
In the Castle area, on the west side of Sage mountain, the fire remains steady at about 500 hectares and is not expected to grow any further at this time.
Helicopters have been bucketing the blaze, but because of poor visibility, water tankers have not been able to help out.
All Calgary Forest protection areas south of highway 532 remain closed to the public.
According to the Alberta Emergency Alert system, the evacuation area in the Twin Butte area has been reduced. The area from highway 505 south to Township road 3-2 (Oil Basin Road) is now re-opened. This area is now considered to be under evacuation alert, meaning residents should be prepared to evacuate on short notice should circumstances change.
There are no utilities available at this time, and no estimate as to when they may be available again. Anyone going home should be prepared to be without gas/electricity for an undetermined amount of time.
Castle Mountain Resort area remains under an evacuation order.