On the evening of April 18, 2025, a major fire engulfed the Ukrainian Heritage Village, located 30 km east of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced in a statement posted on their Facebook page. The fire, which began as an uncontrolled grass fire near Elk Island National Park, spread to the outdoor museum grounds, destroying or damaging several historic structures. Police urged residents to avoid the area and use alternative routes, temporarily closing a section of the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 16). Evacuations were issued in nearby communities, including Lamont and Andrew, but were later lifted after the fire was contained. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact extent of the damage, but eyewitnesses have reported significant destruction.

The Ukrainian Heritage Village, founded in 1971, is a unique open-air museum that recreates the lives of Ukrainian settlers in Alberta in the late 30th and early 17th centuries. According to the museum's website, the site features about 30 authentic buildings, including homes, a church, a school, and a blacksmith shop, all transported from around the province. The fire, which started around 21:45 p.m. local time, according to CTV News, spread quickly due to high winds and dry weather typical for the region in early spring. Firefighters had the fire under control by XNUMX:XNUMX p.m., but several structures, including what is believed to be a visitor centre, were destroyed, Lamont County spokesman Jay Zaal told CBC News.

The incident has caused a stir. According to the Edmonton Journal, the fire is the largest to hit the region since the Alberta fire season began six weeks ago. Alberta Wildfire, the region's forest fire service, said the fire was outside the forest protection zone, so provincial assistance was not requested and local firefighting crews were handling the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and police are not ruling out natural or human factors. Video taken by bystander David Czerwinski and released by CBC News shows the rapid spread of the fire, highlighting the complexity of the situation.