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Fire not growing, but still out of control

Sep 18, 2017 | 5:28 AM

LETHBRIDGE – Still out of control, but not growing significantly, there was a new size estimate for the Kenow fire as of Sunday, Sept. 17.

The most recent update comes from the M.D. of Pincher Creek. It said more detailed, accurate information on the fire puts its size as 38,100 ha (381 sq. km.) A portion measuring 221 ha is in the Castle area. The fire was burning 23 km from Castle Mountain Resort, and 30 km from Beaver Mines.

A portion of the M.D. of Pincher Creek between Oil Basin Road and the Waterton Lakes National Park boundary remains under an evacuation order, as ground crews continue to work on deep ground fires and hot spots. Residents are still being allowed in for two hours at a time.

The national park remains under an evacuation order as well, though the townsite remains safe from fire threat for now. Earlier Sunday an update from the unified fire command indicated fire activity is mostly on the perimeter and in pockets of unburned fuel, leading to hot spots.