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CBC
19-04-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Wildfire near national park burns buildings at Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
Several buildings in the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village east of Edmonton were burned Friday in a wildfire near Elk Island National Park that prompted a now-cancelled evacuation alert. The wildfire is now considered to be contained, and Highway 16 has reopened in both directions after being closed for several hours. Photos shared by RCMP on Friday show significant damage to the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and emergency alert issued at 8:24 p.m. advised residents living near the site to prepare for evacuation as a precaution — but that alert was cancelled at 8:51 p.m.. WATCH: Wildfire burning near Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village: Wildfire east of Edmonton prompts evacuation 2 hours ago Duration 0:21 This video captured by David Czerwinski shows a fast-spreading fire outside Elk Island National Park on Friday night. The flames spread to multiple structures in the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, RCMP say, though the extent of the damages cannot yet be confirmed. RCMP confirmed Friday night that the fire has spread to multiples structures in the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village — an open-air museum depicting life of early settlers and Ukrainian culture. The village contains dozens of historic buildings. Fort Saskatchewan RCMP said the situation is evolving rapidly and the extent of the damages cannot yet be confirmed. Fort Saskatchewan RCMP said crews will remain fighting what is left of the fire and are asking the public to remain vigilant and avoid any action that could interfere with fire crews. Jay Zaal, spokesperson from Lamont County, said the village's visitor centre has been impacted by the fire, which has now spread to the north side of Highway 16. "Crews are working to contain the fire; high winds are creating challenges as it is too windy for air support," Zaal told CBC by text message shortly after 7:30 p.m. Elk Island National Park and neighbouring Lamont County are currently under a fire restriction. Lamont County Emergency Services responded to the fire around 4 p.m. and called in mutual aid from Strathcona County, Zaal said. A spokesperson for Alberta Wildfire told CBC News the fire falls outside of the province's forest protection area and the regional firefighting agencies have not requested additional help. RCMP said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
CBC
19-04-2025
- CBC
Wildfire prompts evacuation, closure of Highway 16 near Elk Island National Park
Some residents north of Highway 16 near Elk Island National Park have been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire that has spread to multiple structures in the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. The grassfire has also prompted the closure of Highway 16 in both directions between the entrance to Elk Island National Park and Range Road 194. An emergency alert issued at 8:24 p.m. advises residents living near the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village to prepare for evacuation as a precaution. Fort Saskatchewan RCMP are asking the public to avoid the area and find alternate routes. It said the fire, which is located behind the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, has started to spread and is not considered under control. Evacuations have begun for residents on Range Road 195, north of Highway 16, RCMP said. Fort Saskatchewan RCMP advise that anyone living in the area who is not yet affected by the evacuation, should prepare an evacuation kit should the fire spread further. WATCH: Wildfire burning near Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village: Wildfire east of Edmonton prompts evacuation 7 minutes ago Duration 0:21 This video captured by David Czerwinski shows a fast-spreading fire outside Elk Island National Park on Friday night. The flames spread to multiple structures in the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, RCMP say, though the extent of the damages cannot yet be confirmed. RCMP confirmed Friday night that the fire has spread to multiple Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village — an open-air museum depicting life of early settlers and Ukrainian culture. The village contains dozens of historic buildings. Fort Saskatchewan RCMP said the situation is evolving rapidly and the extent of the damages cannot yet be confirmed. Jay Zaal, spokesperson from Lamont County, said the visitor centre has been impacted by the fire, which has now spread to the north side of Highway 16. "Crews are working to contain the fire; high winds are creating challenges as it is too windy for air support," Zaal told CBC by text message. Elk Island National Park and neighbouring Lamont County are currently under a fire restriction. Lamont County Emergency Services responded to the fire around 4 p.m. and called in mutual aid from Strathcona County, Zaal. said.
