Residents calm, ready as Waterton evacuation order come in
WATERTON “We took all our antique furniture out this morning,” said Tom Gilchrist, who had to evacuate his family cottage built in 1928 in Waterton Lakes National Park.
“We were very prepared and so is the park.”
Gilchrist was one of about 250 people who had to flee Waterton as the Kenow Wildfire crossed over into Alberta and into Waterton Lakes National Park — about 20 kilometres from the townsite — late Friday afternoon.
Hours earlier, a full mandatory evacuation was ordered for the park, the townsite, all frontcountry and back-country trails and facilities, because of the severe risk the fire could enter the townsite through the Akamina Pass due to the wind direction.
Everyone, except persons deemed essential to firefighting efforts, was told to leave.
Parks Canada staff and RCMP members were assisting with evacuation efforts by going door to door.
“The evacuation has gone pretty smoothly,” said RCMP Cpl. Curtis Peters, communications officer for southern Alberta, speaking just outside the park gates Friday afternoon.
“The safety of visitors to Waterton Lakes National Park, residents of Waterton, employees, fire crews and emergency responders is a top priority for Parks Canada,” said John Stoesser, communications officer for the Waterton Lakes Field Unit of Parks Canada, which is now working with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry to fight the wildfire.
“A change in weather conditions has led to increased potential danger and hazards from the Kenow wildfire that necessitate the evacuation of the park. Parks Canada is doing everything it can to slow or contain the wildfire. Parks Canada has extensive fire protection measures installed at critical infrastructure, park resources and in the townsite.
“Our current priorities are the safety of the public and employees, protection of infrastructure critical to firefighting efforts and facility protection.”
The Kenow wildfire began in B.C.’s Flathead Valley, west of Waterton Lakes National Park. It has expanded to more than 7,800 hectares in size.
“The Alberta government is working with the federal government to keep visitors and residents in the affected area informed,” said Shannon Phillips, Alberta’s environment and parks minister, speaking to reporters at the Provincial Building in Lethbridge.
A reception centre for evacuees has been set up in Pincher Creek at the Vertical Church. Cots and blankets have been provided by the National Emergency Stockpile system, with further assistance from the Canadian Red Cross, the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and various local businesses offering support.
“We volunteered the church as a centre, working with the town and the MD,” said pastor Chris Ney at the Vertical Church. “It’s been really cool to see the response. It’s been overwhelming. We’re pretty much set up here for well over 100 people to show up. We’ve had a lot of people come and go throughout the day.”
“It was a shock because I didn’t think it would come,” said Waterton cabin owner Drew Galbraith, who evacuated to Pincher Creek after removing his wife’s art as their top personal possession.
“It’s eerie. They’ve got firefighters there, they’ve got sprinklers running in the mountains. They’ve got hoses everywhere, they’ve got sprinklers on a lot of the roofs. They’re doing a good job.”
“It would be devastating to see it burn,” said regular visitor Ashley Marlow, who also worked summers at the park in the 1980s.
“I hope they get the job done. I hope the wind cuts out. It is a very important place. I spend almost every weekend here. I’ve spent every birthday weekend here for at least the five years. This is that weekend.”
“This is a time of significant tension and stress — people are worried, we understand that,” said Brian Hammond, reeve for the MD of Pincher Creek. “There’s been a high level of co-operation.”
The City of Lethbridge on Friday afternoon sent four firefighters and a truck to help provide municipal support in the townsite. The Town of Taber was also sending four firefighters and a wildland unit, while the Calgary Fire Department was sending 16 members and several apparatus. The Town of Coaldale and the Town of Fort Macleod were also helping with resources.
The provincial operations centre was also elevated to level three, with agencies and organizations on a high level of readiness if things turn worse, Phillips said.
“We are in a state of readiness,” she said.
“We remain vigilant,” said Matthew Anderson, wildfire information officer with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, adding additional resources will be made available as needed.