By Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter)

Latest update from Parks Canada on the Kenow fire

Sep 16, 2017 | 11:47 AM

ALBERTA – The Kenow Fire remains active and is classified as out of control in the latest update from Parks Canada. The fire did not demonstrate any further growth over night and the fire is still estimated at approximately 36,000 hectares. Officials continue to work closely with provincial and local partners, as well as emergency management organizations to contain this wildfire and protect key infrastructure and resources.

Their current priorities continue to be:

–        Continuing protection of values and infrastructure;
–        Working to establish containment of the fire in strategic locations;
–        On-going assessment of impacted values and infrastructure;
–        Restoration of key infrastructure to prepare for re-entry.

WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK: The Kenow Fire is still active in the area and within the park boundaries. The Evacuation Order remains in effect and the park is closed to all incoming traffic except emergency vehicles and authorized personnel. Even though the townsite is no longer under threat, risks due to the active fire nearby and ongoing fire operations remain. Community members should not attempt to return to the area until advised by Parks Canada.

Parks Canada continues to work to complete the detailed assessment, which includes identifying additional risks within the park.

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Due to the high intensity of the fire, there are a large number of danger trees, rock falls, and other hazards that remain throughout.

CASTLE BRANCH FIRE SUPRESSION: The area of fire within the Castle drainage continues to see minimal activity and remains at 500 hectares. The limited fire behaviour is the result of the weather conditions with approximately 8 millimetres of light rain having been received over the past two days. The use of aircraft was limited due to poor visibility which also limited access for crews. The wildfire remains about 23 kilometres from Beaver Mines. For more information, visit wildfire.alberta.ca or call 1-866-FYI-FIRE (1-866-394-3473)

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOUR: The Kenow Fire has received only minor precipitation over the last few days. Increased temperatures, drier conditions and increased wind are forecasted for this weekend. Fire behaviour and activity has the potential to increase with these conditions.

WHAT’S OPEN AND CLOSED: Waterton Lakes National Park is Closed: www.parkscanada.ca/waterton-kenow-fire  Waterton Lakes National Park will be closed until officials can assure it’s safe to reopen. A safety assessment and any required work will be completed before the park is reopened. Calgary Forest Protection Area south of Highway 532 is Closed: http://srd.web.alberta.ca/calgary-area-update

People can stay up-to-date through Waterton Lakes National Park’s website, Facebook page and twitter feed and additional information about wildfires in the national mountain parks is available here.