A massive blaze at Point Pelee National Park in Leamington is now out.
Leamington fire crews responded shortly after 8pm on Wednesday to the blaze burning through the marsh.
Fire PPNP appears out at this time thanks to the rain and a great job by firefighters and park staff. 141
— Leamington Fire (@LeamingtonFire1) March 30, 2017
The park was closed with staff manning the front entrance to ensure no one entered.
The fire was so big, crews could only fight back in a defensive position and worked to protect the boardwalk.
Fire at pt pelee park. Park closed pic.twitter.com/hAScMBtvhD
— Leamington Fire (@LeamingtonFire1) March 30, 2017
Leamington Fire Chief Chuck Parsons tells AM800 News, the fire was likely half a kilometre long. Parsons says the number one priority for his crews was to protect the park's infrastructure.
Parsons says the raging fire could of been worse if it had been windy Wednesday evening.
"That definitely helped us, it definitely helped us in the process and we were able to contain it fairly well because we weren't chasing it," says Parsons.
Marsh fire at Point Pelee National Park threatens the boardwalk. (Courtesy of Leamington Fire)
Leamington crews began to leave the scene just after midnight as Parks Canada forest fire personnel took over. However, Parsons says Leamington firefighters are ready to jump back to the fire if needed.
Brook Epp from Ruthven came out to see the blaze and says it's shocking to see the park go up in flames.
"It's pretty devastating. Actually, I was just talking about going out there for a walk with my new puppy," says Epp. ""It's very sad — very sad to see all the natural habitat going up in flames."
Fire at Point Pelee National Park in Leamington #cklw https://t.co/2BsCmjCYcf
— Ricardo Veneza (@RicardoVeneza) March 30, 2017
Parsons says his firefighters weren't in over their heads in fighting the blaze.
"We're trained for it, we don't see it often, but we work in conjunction with Parks Canada — our crews worked very well tonight and with all of our planning and training, we came out with a positive influence," says Parsons.
The fire is expected to have been sparked due to natural causes.
Parsons says Parks Canada crews are going to continue to monitor the fire and let it burn itself out. He says rain will help.
Environment Canada is forecasting gusty winds on Thursday, but some rain as well — anywere from 5 to 20 mm or less than an inch of rain.
Marsh fire at Point Pelee National Park March 29, 2017 (Courtesy of Leamington Fire)
Marsh fire at Point Pelee National Park March 29, 2017 (Courtesy of Leamington Fire)
Marsh fire at Point Pelee National Park March 29, 2017 (Photo by AM800's Ricardo Veneza)