Officials evacuate Waterton as wildfire approaches
WATERTON Approaching wildfires have prompted officials Friday to order a mandatory evacuation of Waterton Lakes Provincial Park.
Issued at 2 p.m. by Parks Canada, the order comes as strong winds push flames from a large wildfire in B.C., burning just across the continental divide just 30 km east of the townsite.
Strong winds ahead of an approaching cold front are expected to push the flames into Alberta and into the park.
Town, Parks Canada and wildfire crews wearing uniforms from as far away as Ontario spent the day battening down the hatches and preparing for the inevitable order to get out.
Friday morning, Parks Canada officials monitored the situation as spotter crews patrolled the area in helicopters, trying their best to monitor the fire through the heavy smoke.
Meanwhile, lawn sprinklers are being used to wet down buildings and property ahead of a possible evacuation, along with larger units connected to fire hoses and pumps.
Waterton’s business owners have either closed or are in the process of making their establishments safe, hopeful for what the next few days will bring.
Rod Bullock, an owner of Zum’s restaurant on Waterton Avenue, said they spent Thursday shutting down and preparing for an extended absence.
“I expect we’ll be leaving today,” he said. “We’ve moved all of the food into chest freezers that we could, so the building is ready if the power goes out.”
Despite being the early weeks of September, they’d normally be looking to stay open at least another five or six weeks.
If they do end up having to leave, they plan on returning as soon as they can to operate the rest of the season.
Even if they did have to close up shop, the incredibly busy year has more than put them into a good financial position.
They credit the free Parks Canada pass promotion with bringing record crowds to Waterton, adding business in the park has never been as brisk.
“In the 13 years we’ve been here, we’ve never had to shut down for any reason, except for the end of the season,” said Zum’s co-owner Bob Cruikshank.
As the wind picks up and rustles the still-green trees throughout the townsite, Bullock said those still in town are keeping their spirits up.
“Most people realize it’s out of our control,” he said.
“The mood here is OK. We’re hanging in there.”