Parks Canada: Kenow fire 'out of control'

The Kenow Fire ravaging Waterton Lakes National Park has been classified as “out of control,” Parks Canada said in a press release late Thursday morning.

Since Tuesday, the fire has grown from 28,170 to nearly 89,000 acres, about 139 square miles. The park’s townsite at the north end of Upper Waterton Lake, which includes the iconic Prince of Wales hotel, “are not considered to be at risk at this time,” Parks Canada Public Relations and Communications Officer Elisabeth Caron said in a press release. However, the entire park remains closed to visitors.

“Our priorities are to ensure the safety of crews working in the area, protect infrastructure and values, and prevent the spread of the active fire with suppression tactics and containment lines,” she continued. “Helicopters and other aircraft continue to conduct aerial suppression tactics in the area.”

Last night, the fire did not demonstrate growth, and received almost a quarter-inch of rain. With more precipitation and cooler temperatures expected in coming days, “weather conditions are turning in our favor and are expected to reduce the likelihood of growth or new fire development.”

Reporter Patrick Reilly can be reached at preilly@dailyinterlake.com, or at (406)758-4407.