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Teams from Alberta, Ontario now assisting in P.A. National Park wildfire

May 21, 2018 | 8:32 AM

All available resources have been deployed to assist in mopping up the Rabbit Creek wildfire burning primarily in Prince Albert National Park.

Additional crews from the province, Little Red First Nation, Alberta and Ontario have joined the fight in the now 17,500 hectare fire and are helping manage a few hot spots to the south and west of the park boundaries, Parks Canada said Monday.

The ongoing dry and warm weather continues to contribute to increased fire activity and significant smoke in the area.

Sunday, Parks Canada expanded closures to include boating on Sandy Lake, the Sandy Lake trails, and the area north of Sturgeon Crossing Warden Station to the now unmaintained Lofthouse Trail. The Amyot Lake Trail Spur, Valleyview Trail Network, West Side Trail, Elk Trail, Hunter’s Lake Trail remain closed alongside Cookson Road west of Mayview Road to the park boundary and Camp and Fish Lake backcountry campground.

The Sandy Lake and Narrows campgrounds remain under 24-hour evacuation alert. 

Tuesday, Parks Canada will expand the closures to include Highway 263 from Narrows Road South to Cookson Road and Highway 240 including all trails and campsites between the Freight trail and east boundary of the national park. Any backcountry areas and the area west of the Hanging Heart Lakes turn off including Kingsmere/Northshore Road, Kingsmere Lake and Kingsmere River will also be closed.

A fire ban remains in effect for the park.

Nearby residents are encouraged to contact local administration for any information related to fire bans, evacuation alerts or orders.

Increased smoke is anticipated throughout the park and surrounding area over the coming days, including the communities of Waskesiu Lake, Elk Ridge, Montreal Lake and Timber Bay. 

While all highways within the national park remain open, travellers are encouraged to take Highway 2 and Highway 264 to avoid smoke and fire management operations. 

 

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr