With park evacuated, focus is on halting fire’s spread
WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK – Officials are pleased with a successful and safe evacuation, as they attempt to keep the Kenow fire from spreading into Waterton Lakes National Park.
The wind continues to be the main concern, as the fire has grown to 8,500 ha. However, with the exception of one small spot fire roughly 0.5 ha in size, it is entirely to the west of the Continental Divide, outside of the park, largely contained to the remote Flathead Valley of B.C.
“The types of fire behaviour we’re seeing this year are on the extreme end.”
– Rick Kubian
Rick Kubian, area commander, said it was the possibility of the fire spreading quickly across either of two low forested passes that led to Friday’s evacuation order, even though the fire is approximately 20 km away from the townsite.