A wildfire prompted the closure of Highway 16 and a now-cancelled evacuation alert near Elk Island National Park.
The fire spread to multiple structures in the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, RCMP said Friday.
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. As of 9 p.m. the highway is still closed.
An emergency alert issued at 8:24 p.m. advised residents living near the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village to prepare for evacuation as a precaution — but that alert was cancelled at 8:51 p.m..
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, was out-of-control, but is now considered contained.
WATCH: Wildfire burning near Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village:
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 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.
