Wildfire near national park burns buildings at Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
CBC
Several buildings in the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village east of Edmonton were destroyed or damaged Friday in a wildfire near Elk Island National Park. The fire prompted an evacuation alert for nearby residents, which has since been cancelled.
Officials say the wildfire is now 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, with at least one building reduced to rubble.
An 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.
The village — an open-air museum depicting life of early settlers and Ukrainian culture — contains dozens of historic buildings. Fort Saskatchewan RCMP have not yet confirmed the extent of the damage.
RCMP said crews will remain fighting what is left of the fire and are asking the public to avoid the area.
Jay Zaal, a spokesperson for Lamont County, said the village's visitor centre has been impacted by the fire that also 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.
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