The Kenow Mountain wildfire, which has already prompted an evacuation of Waterton Lakes National Park as well as the Waterton town site, has grown and moved closer to the town site, according to Parks Canada.
According to Parks Canada, the fire is now 10 kilometres from the Waterton town site.
Waterton Lakes National Park said the Kenow Fire was “demonstrating intense fire behaviour on Sunday evening and is continuing to advance southeast along the Akamina Valley” and would continue advancing into the night.
“There is a high probability the wildfire will reach the B.C. and Alberta border tonight (Sunday night) and enter Waterton Lakes National Park near Cameron Lake,” Waterton Lakes National Park said in a statement.
“Unified Command is prepared if the fire rounds the corner at Akamina Pass and enters into the park in the Cameron Valley near Cameron Lake. We are activating a mobilized command centre should it be needed and removing support personnel from the park.”
“Wildland and structural crews will remain in the park and townsite to continue firefighting efforts.”
On Sunday afternoon, the government agency said the wildfire was now about 9,400 hecatares in size, about 900 hectares larger than the previous day. Parks Canada said the fire also spread about five kilometres further in a southeast direction along the Akamina Valley.
WATCH: Some videos from Global News’ coverage of the wildfire threat in the Waterton Lakes area.
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Crews work to prevent wildfire from spreading through Waterton Lakes’ Akamina Pass -
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Reception centre set up as wildfire prompts evacuation of Waterton -
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Officials keep close eye on wildfire threat to Waterton Lakes National Park -
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Calgary firefighters heading to Waterton to protect town from wildfire -
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Waterton park and townsite under mandatory evacuation due to wildfire -
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Waterton evacuee says crews are doing a great job -
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Calgary fire sending crews to help protect Waterton townsite -
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Campers and residents in Waterton prepare for possible evacuation -
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Parks Canada updates fire situation in Waterton Lakes National Park -
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Parks Canada concerned weather change could grow fire into Waterton -
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Parks Canada issues voluntary evacuation alert for Waterton Lakes National Park because of wildfire risk
“Weather conditions causing intense fire behaviour is expected Sunday through Tuesday,” Parks Canada said. “Approximately three spot fires have ignited in the Tamarack Basin, south of Festubert Mountain in Waterton today.”
Officials said helicopters were bucketing those spot fires with water and did the same in the South Kootenay Pass earlier on Sunday. Alberta Wildfire is bucketing the fire’s north flank with water, foam and retardant.
Officials added the wildfire could reach the Akamina Pass on Sunday.
“Crews will conduct an aerial ignition in the Akamina Valley to steer the fire and reduce the potential for ember spotting in Waterton, if conditions allow,” Parks Canada said.
“Intense fire behaviour and smoke is hampering visibility and fire suppression.”
Because Parks Canada and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry have “established unified command to integrate common objectives and to co-ordinate resources and efforts,” Alberta Environment and Parks said additional resources have been brought in from Calgary, Coaldale, Lethbridge, the Municipal District of Willow Creek and Taber.
“Reports from field operations indicate that currently deployed resources are anticipated to be able to hold the fire on the Alberta side,” Alberta Environment and Parks said in a news release late Sunday afternoon.
According to officials, the fire is still generating “significant smoke.” On Saturday, Environment Canada issued an air quality advisory for areas in south and west Alberta — including the city of Calgary — in part, because of the Kenow Mountain wildfire. On Sunday, the weather agency issued an air quality statement for parts of southern Alberta.
On Sunday, Alberta Health Services (AHS) said it was asking people to “refrain from visiting at Cardston and Pincher Creek Health Centres until further notice.
“Air quality has improved slightly, but smoke is still entering the buildings when doors are opened,” AHS said. “We sincerely thank everyone for their patience, understanding and co-operation during this time. We understand these restrictions may pose an inconvenience.”
For the latest air quality information, click here.
Waterton Lakes National Park is closed and both the park and town site were issued a mandatory evacuation order on Friday. Several area roads and highways are also closed as a result of the wildfire. The extreme wildfire risk has also prompted the provincial government to close a number of other areas in southwestern Alberta to the public.
On Saturday, Parks Canada said the Kenow Mountain wildfire was about 20 kilometres away from the Waterton town site and forecasted winds had the potential to move the wildfire east into the park.
“The reason that we’ve been paying very close attention to this over the last week, is that it has the potential — over two, low-forested passes — to move into Waterton Lakes National Park and the potential to threaten the town site,” Rick Kubian, Parks Canada area commander, said on Saturday.
View photo gallery below:
According to officials, about 185 people and seven helicopters are currently involved with the firefight and a number of crews are involved in structural fire protection to protect buildings should the fire move into the Waterton town site.
A reception centre has been set up for evacuees in Pincher Creek. Waterton evacuees are asked to register by calling 403-904-0021 or emailing mdinfo@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca. You can also register with authorities in person at the Vertical Church on 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. in Pincher Creek, Alta. As of Saturday afternoon, Parks Canada said 87 people had registered.
Information from Parks Canada for residents under evacuation:
You must leave the area immediately;
Follow the travel route provided on the map (see above);
If you need transportation assistance to leave Waterton, please (a) advise the individual providing you with this in-person notice, (b) go to Waterton Park Community Centre or (c) call 403-859-5109 if you cannot do (a) or (b);
Close all windows and doors;
Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers;
Close gates (latch) but do not lock;
Gather your family: take a neighbour or someone who needs help;
Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, important documents, and keys) only if they are immediately available;
Take pets in pet kennels or on leash;
Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service;
Emergency personnel will check all houses and locations and mark them when cleared;
Travel will only be permitted out of the park. Admittance at the Waterton Lakes National Park gate will be limited to emergency vehicles.
All evacuees are strongly recommended to register at the reception and evacuation centre located in Pincher Creek at the Vertical Church (1200 Ken Thornton Blvd., located just south of Co-Op and Vista Village), even if you do not require assistance.
Registering will provide a record that you were evacuated and enable authorities to contact you with any new information. You can register by email to mdinfo@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca <mailto:mdinfo@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca> (put in subject line: “Evac Registration”) or by phoning 403-904-0021. Please provide name, number in party and contact phone number.
For more information, contact the Parks Canada information line at 403-859-5109.
-With files from Erika Tucker
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