First responders are beginning to see increased fire behaviour in Jasper National Park as the weather becomes hotter, drier and windier.
In a Wednesday (July 31) update, Parks Canada stated that thunderstorms and wind gusts could create challenging conditions for firefighters working on high priority areas as they continue battling the raging wildfire that caused evacuations last week.
It also warned that more smoke may become visible in the region as conditions worsen.
“Operations are strategically focusing efforts in critical areas to mitigate this expected change in weather. Crews will continue critical infrastructure protection in the town and in outlying areas,” said the federal agency.
Ignition teams are now considering options to strategically remove forest fuels and contain the wildfire within fuel breaks.
Parks Canada said this would help secure the perimeter of the fire closest to the north end of the townsite.
Inside the Jasper townsite, crews are working to flush water lines, repair downed power infrastructure and reenergize critical facilities.
Perimeter fencing is being put up around affected structures, damaged trees are being removed and municipal enforcement continues to retrieve pets.
Highway 16 remains closed, but officials are working to facilitate the movement of semis within the next 24 hours.
“The Government of Alberta understands that this is an important economic corridor, and it is a priority for us to get large trucks and tractor trailers passing through the park again,” said Mike Ellis, minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, during the Wednesday wildfire update.
Ellis noted that the final details and timeline will be at the discretion of Parks Canada.
Jasper evacuees in Valemount, B.C. will also have an escorted opportunity to return to Alberta via the highway.
“Uniting people with their friends and family is absolutely a priority,” Ellis said.
Officials are also working to retrieve property and recreational vehicles from campgrounds.
Ellis said more information on this would be available in the next 24 to 48 hours.
Over 750 personnel are responding to the Jasper Wildfire Complex, and more continue to arrive to assist in recovery and response efforts.
As such, firefighters will be housed at an incident camp west of Hinton beginning this evening.
This will free up hotel rooms for Jasper evacuees and alleviate housing pressures within Hinton.
