Parks Canada is reminding the public that Jasper National Park is a no-drone zone following an incident at Jasper Lake on Monday (Aug. 19).
A member of the public reported the illegal drone use directly to Parks Canada law enforcement running a traffic check stop and charges were laid against the drone operator.
Parks Canada stated that all national parks across Canada are no-drone zones, and helicopters were also working on an active wildfire in Jasper National Park.
“When drones are in the sky, pilots and aircrews cannot fly, seriously hampering firefighting efforts and significantly compromising the safety of aircraft and personnel on the wildfire,” the agency stated. “The grounding of helicopters also leaves fire crews on the frontline without an escape route.”
Recreational drone activities carry a maximum fine of $25,000, and users violating Parks Canada regulations, especially in the airspace near the wildfire, will be subject to prosecution.
This drone operator also breached applicable Transport Canada regulations, which require that no aircraft fly within a five-nautical-mile radius of a wildfire for the safety of helicopters and aircraft involved in fighting forest fires.
Wildfire update
Although the Jasper Wildfire Complex is still classified as “being held,” warmer temperatures and increased wind have resulted in increased fire activity within the wildfire perimeter.
Parks Canada warned that this fire activity was visible from Highway 16 and the Jasper townsite and asked the public to only report smoke outside the wildfire perimeter.
“Smoke is visible from the slopes of Whistlers Mountain and in other areas of the wildfire,” the agency stated. “Residents and motorists on Highway 16 will also see aircraft actively bucketing on the wildfire.”
To report new wildfires, call Parks Canada Dispatch at 780-852-6155.
Members of the public are also asked to report unsafe or aggressive human-wildlife interactions, injured or dead wildlife and if a predator is in the town or near accommodations.
Highway update
Crews are working to remove hazards along priority roadways such as the Icefields Parkway (93N) and Maligne Road.
Parks Canada acknowledged the importance of these roadways for residents and businesses, adding that they would reopen when safe for travel.
Highway 16 fully reopened to motorists last week, but they are not allowed to stop in Jasper National Park, and only residents are allowed into the townsite.
All day-use areas, rest stops and trailheads along the highway in the park are closed until further notice.
