Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village Fire Destroys Multiple Buildings Near Elk Island

A fast-moving wildfire tore through the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village on Friday, April 18, destroying multiple structures and forcing a brief evacuation east of Edmonton. The open-air museum, located near Elk Island National Park, celebrates the lives of early Ukrainian settlers in Alberta and has been a cultural landmark since 1971.

Fire Spreads Quickly Through Historic Site

The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village fire began in the late afternoon near Highway 16. Fueled by dry conditions and high winds, it quickly jumped containment lines and reached the heritage site.

RCMP and local fire crews said several buildings caught fire, including the visitor centre and at least two historic structures. Photos from Fort Saskatchewan RCMP show rubble and smouldering ruins where once stood restored pioneer-era buildings.

Emergency officials said the fire also crossed to the north side of Highway 16, prompting temporary road closures and an evacuation alert for nearby homes.

Firefighters Face Challenges

Firefighters from Lamont County, supported by crews from Strathcona County, worked to contain the blaze. Air support was unavailable due to strong wind gusts, which made firefighting efforts more difficult.

“Crews are working hard to keep it from spreading,” said Jay Zaal, spokesperson for Lamont County.

By 9:30 p.m., officials confirmed they had contained the fire and were holding it. They reopened Highway 16 and allowed residents to return home.

Emergency Alert and Evacuation Briefly Issued

An emergency alert went out at 8:24 p.m., urging residents near Range Road 195 to prepare for evacuation. Officials cancelled the alert just under 30 minutes later after they saw progress in controlling the fire.

Cultural and Historic Loss

The site is home to dozens of preserved buildings, many of them original structures moved from early Ukrainian settlements across Alberta. Costumed interpreters and traditional exhibits help visitors experience pioneer life.

The extent of the damage remains under investigation, but witnesses and RCMP confirm that multiple buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged.

“We don’t yet know how many structures were lost,” police said.

Cause Under Investigation

RCMP and fire officials have not confirmed what started the fire. The region had been under a fire restriction for several days due to unseasonably warm weather, lack of rain, and strong winds.

Elk Island National Park and Lamont County both remain on high wildfire alert.

Alberta’s Ukrainian Legacy

The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is one of the most significant cultural sites in Alberta, honoring over 130 years of Ukrainian immigration. The province is home to the largest population of Ukrainian descendants outside of Ukraine.

“This is not just a local loss—it’s a loss for the entire Ukrainian-Canadian community,” one visitor shared on social media.

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