Several buildings in the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage village east Edmonton were destroyed or damaged on Friday in a forest fire near Elk Island National Park.
The fire caused an evacuation alert for nearby residents that has since been canceled.
The forest fire is now considered content, and highway 16 has reopened in both directions after being closed for several hours.
The photos shared by RCMP on Friday show significant damage to the Ukrainian cultural heritage village, with at least one building reduced to the rubble.
An emergency alert issued at 8:24 PM advised residents who live near the site that prepare for evacuation as caution, but that alert was canceled at 8:51 pm
Clock: forest fires near the Ukrainian cultural heritage village:
This video captured by David Czerwinski shows a fire that extends rapidly on the outskirts of Elk Island National Park on Friday night. The flames extend to multiple structures in the Ukrainian cultural heritage village, according to RCMP, although the scope of the damage cannot be confirmed.
RCMP confirmed Friday night that the fire has spread to multiple structures in the Ukrainian cultural heritage village, an outdoor museum that represents the life of the first settlers and the Ukrainian culture.
The people contain dozens of historical buildings. Fort Saskatchewan RCMP said that the scope of the damage cannot be confirmed.
RCMP said the teams will continue to fight against what remains of the fire and ask the public to avoid the area.
Jay Zaal, Lamont County spokesman, said that the village visitors center has been affected by the fire, which also extended to the northern side of highway 16.
“The teams are working to contain the fire; the strong winds are creating challenges, since it is too wind for air support,” Zaal told CBC by text message shortly after 7:30 pm
Elk Island National Park and neighboring Lamont Condado are currently under a fire restriction.
The emergency services of Lamont County responded to the fire around 4 pm and called mutual help from Strathcona County, Zaal said.
A Alberta Wildfire spokesman told CBC News that the fire falls outside the province’s forest protection area and regional fire agencies have not requested additional help.
RCMP said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
