By CHAT News Today

Government calls for ‘voluntary evacuation’ of Waterton Lakes National Park due to wildfire

Sep 5, 2017 | 8:53 PM

WATERTON, AB – A wildfire has prompted the Alberta government to issue an emergency alert for Waterton Lakes National Park Tuesday night.

According to Parks Canada, a wildfire which started in the Flathead valley west of Waterton is currently burning out of control. The fire is over 4,500 hectares in size and has burned into the northwest corner of Waterton near Sage Pass. 

All areas in the park, and the surrounding townsite, are under a voluntary evacuation alert at this time. The alert was issued at 6:39 p.m.

“Cottagers, campers and visitors are encouraged to leave the area,” the release from the province said, noting all park trails are closed.

“There is no immediate threat, but this pre-emptive action allows us to be ready for a forecasted change in weather in a couple days,” Parks Canada said in a statement posted to its website Tuesday night.

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Highway 5 and 6, along with the Chief Mountain Highway, remain open to allow evacuation.

A reception centre has not yet been set up, but will be established if the situation worsens.

A Parks Canada national incident management team is on site, along with three initial attack crews and five helicopters, with another crew expected on Wednesday, according to the Canadian Press.

The story will be updated when more information is available.

-With files from The Canadian Press and Global News