By Spencer Hall
Parks Canada says cooler weather conditions are reducing the severity of fire behavior, aiding the 154 firefighters battling blazes in the Jasper wildfire complex.
Winds on Friday are expected to reach up to 30 km per hour, which may increase fire activity in the complex. As of Friday at 12:40 p.m. MDT, firefighters are prioritizing putting out hot spots outside of the Jasper townsite and in the trees surrounding the town and structures within.
The damage to the townsite is estimated at about 30 per cent. Of the 1113 structures in Jasper, 358 were destroyed in the fire. Parks Canada confirmed that all critical infrastructure, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant, was able to be saved.
Included in the update was topographical a map of the estimated fire area, which Parks Canada says is the best estimate based on satellite imaging and what crews have been able to see on the ground. As of Friday afternoon, the fire is estimated to cover 36,000 hectares.
“The outline shown in the map represents an estimate of the furthest area burned, not what is currently burning. It is important to note that this is an estimate and will change. Within the estimated perimeter there will be areas completely burned, partially burned and areas which did not burn at all,” Parks Canada said.
Future maps will be updated once crews can map the perimeter of the fires via aircraft.
Parks Canada says it continues to prioritize responding to the active fire and the assessment of structural damage to the community.
“We understand that this is an incredibly difficult and challenging time…we appreciate how hard it is to wait for confirmation about your homes,” the agency said. “Our crews continue to fight the fire and we remain focused on making it safe for the people of Jasper to come home. The area remains closed for public safety, and the evacuation order is still in effect.”
