Wildfire remains a threat

WATERTON TOWNSITE FACES GREATER RISK IF HIGH WINDS CONTINUE

Before the weather changes later this week, intense fire behaviour is forecast for the next two days in Waterton Lakes National Park. Monday evening, Parks Canada reported the Kenow Fire that has tested firefighting efforts the past several days was now firmly established in the Cameron Valley along the Akamina Parkway.

The news came only hours after officials had said the Kenow blaze hadn’t breached the Akamina Pass or the Continental Divide, and was still about 15 kilometres from the Waterton townsite. But Rick Kubian, area commander for Parks Canada, had warned the situation could change drastically given the high-wind conditions.

High winds and dense smoke continue to impede visibility and fire suppression, he said in a media teleconference call.

The Kenow Fire has moved 11.5 km down the valley during the past three days and is approximately 11,400 hectares in size.

Kubian said Monday afternoon it is possible the fire could spread into the Waterton townsite within eight to 12 hours if a “really specific alignment of winds and really challenging fire suppression conditions” occurred. But he was hopeful they would not and he remains confident on the preparation elements should that situation happen.

“It is a very serious event that we’re involved with here, the result of a summer-long drying event that is likely unprecedented in wildfire management history in Western Canada,” Kubian said.

“We have been well ahead of this fire. We have taken all precautions and done all the preparations we can. We’re very proud of those efforts. We feel as if we have the right resources in play. We’ve had time to prepare for the eventuality that the fire could reach the Waterton townsite.”

The Kenow Fire travelled another 4.5 km southeast along the Akamina Valley during Sunday’s burning period, with the most intense fire behaviour taking place between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day.

An approximately 50hectare spot fire also began in the Tamarack Basin within the park boundary. That fire is expected to grow and move into the Blakiston Valley and towards the Red Rock Parkway.

Helicopters were bucketing water to suppress that situation on Monday, and Highways 5 and 6 are now closed at the park boundaries.

WILDFIRE

“The unified command team has identified many containment options, including areas for strategic burnouts and sprinkler lines, to slow or stop the wildfire should it enter the park,” said John Stoesser, Parks Canada Communications Officer for the Waterton Lakes Field Unit.

“Extensive fire protection resources are installed on critical infrastructure, park resources and in the townsite. Current and incoming resources include 185 personnel, 14 aircraft, multiple fire engines, water tenders, and 16 specialized structural and wildland fire crews. A containment strategy consisting of sprinklers and burnouts is ready to prevent the fire from leaving the park, should it be needed.”

Non-essential Parks Canada staff are now based out of Pincher Creek, having been removed from the park on Sunday night. Wildland and structural crews will remain in the park and townsite to continue firefighting efforts.

Kubian said they are hopeful they’ll only have two or three more burning days due to the drastic change in the forecast later this week.

“There is some relief in sight,” he said.

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