Evacuees returning after wildfire near Alberta park

CALGARY Parks Canada classified the Kenow wildfire as ‘being held’ Tuesday as some evacuees were being allowed to return to the Waterton Lakes National Park townsite.

Everyone was forced out of the southwestern Alberta park 10 days ago when the powerful wildfire was poised to breach its boundaries.

The fire tore through much of the tinder-dry park three days later and into some surrounding grassland, but fire crews were able to save the townsite.

The fire remained active Tuesday and covers an area of approximately 38,100 hectares, Parks Canada said.

“Although the townsite was not impacted by the fire, the effects on the park are significant,” superintendent Ifan Thomas wrote in a letter to evacuees included in a re-entry package. “With time, starting this spring, the park will largely restore itself. It continues to be the very special place it was before the fire, albeit with the landscape largely changed.”

The first phase of re-entry was limited to residents, business owners and leaseholders and was to take place over a 24-hour period starting Tuesday morning, according to the re-entry booklet.

Two vehicles and four people were to be allowed in for each property and everyone was to check in at a reception centre. Parks Canada warned there could be delays and urged people to be patient.

The entire park other than the townsite remains closed for safety reasons.

“We thank you for your ongoing patience and we will let you know when access to the Waterton townsite will be permitted for the general public,” Parks Canada said in a news release Monday.

The Kenow wildfire is still active and classified as out of control. Officials say it now covers an area of approximately 38,100 hectares — an estimate obtained through improved GPS and satellite imagery mapping that was conducted Sunday.

Parks Canada warned that those returning to the Waterton townsite should not expect things to be business as usual.

“You are advised to bring basic necessities to last for up to 14 days including food and drinking water.”