EDMONTON — A significant wildfire has disrupted life in Alberta, leading to the closure of a northern section of the Trans-Canada Highway and triggering evacuations in the area surrounding the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. The fire, which ignited on Friday, April 18, 2025, has spread rapidly, impacting structures within the village, which is a vital cultural site celebrating Ukrainian heritage.
The Fort Saskatchewan RCMP reported that the grass fire started east of Elk Island National Park around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, with flames quickly escalating out of control. By 7 p.m., evacuations were underway for residents living on Range Road 195, north of Highway 16. Mounties advised those in the vicinity to prepare evacuation kits and remain ready for potential further orders as the situation was evolving rapidly.
Highway 16 was closed in both directions between the entrance to Elk Island National Park and Range Road 194, forcing travelers to seek alternate routes. “The public is asked to avoid the area and find alternate routes of travel,” the RCMP stated in their evening update.
As the evening progressed, the fire spread to multiple structures within the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. This open-air museum, located about 50 kilometers east of Edmonton, features 40 restored buildings that commemorate the settlement of east central Alberta by Ukrainian immigrants. Founded in 1971, the village showcases the province’s rich Ukrainian history, which dates back to the 1890s.
Reports indicated that the fire had impacted the Visitor Centre and other buildings within the village. As of 9 p.m. on Friday, while the fire was still classified as out of control, officials noted that it was being contained, although the full extent of the damage had yet to be assessed. Jay Zaal, a spokesperson for Lamont County, mentioned that high winds were complicating firefighting efforts, making air support impossible.
Earlier in the day, Lamont County firefighters responded to the fire around 4 p.m., but the situation escalated quickly, necessitating the involvement of the RCMP and additional resources from Strathcona County. The Alberta Emergency Alert issued at 8:24 p.m. advised residents and travelers to avoid the area and prepare for possible evacuations. However, this alert was canceled shortly after at 8:51 p.m. as the situation began to stabilize.
As firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, they faced challenges from the weather, which included warm, dry conditions and gusty winds reaching up to 50 kilometers per hour. These conditions have raised wildfire risks across numerous forest management areas in the province.
Officials emphasized the importance of preparedness as the wildfire season approaches. The Alberta government has enacted fire restrictions in the area due to the ongoing dry conditions, which have contributed to the fire's rapid spread.
As of Saturday, April 19, 2025, temperatures were expected to drop to around 7-8 degrees Celsius overnight, with a chance of rain, which could potentially aid firefighting efforts. However, the wind was forecasted to remain strong, complicating containment efforts.
The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, a beloved heritage site, provides a glimpse into the life and culture of early Ukrainian settlers in Alberta. The village is currently closed for the season, but its significance remains high, drawing visitors interested in the province's diverse cultural history.
As more information becomes available, local authorities are urging residents and visitors to stay informed and heed any evacuation orders. The situation remains dynamic, and updates will be provided as the firefighting efforts continue.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on April 18, 2025. For those affected, the community's resilience and cooperation will be crucial as they navigate the aftermath of this wildfire and work towards recovery.
