Waterton issues evacuation order

Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada issued an evacuation order Friday for all of Waterton Lakes National Park and the Waterton townsite.

The Park is closed, save for Highway 5/6 and the Chief Mountain Border crossing. The evacuation order comes after increased fire activity is expected in the Park from the Kenow Fire.

The fire is burning on the northwest edge of the Park, primarily in British Columbia, but the fear is the fire could come into Warterton over the weekend as winds increase.

With winds expected from the southwest, it has the potential to burn over Akimina, South Kootenay, Sage and Castle Divide passes.

The Park closed most of its lands, including all trails and campgrounds a few days ago. The Prince of Wales Hotel closed down yesterday. Only emergency vehicles are being allowed in the Park.