By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
Firefighting teams in Jasper have revised the estimated size of the fire from 36,000 hectares to 32,000 hectares after completing an aerial survey of the perimeter.
“This makes it the largest wildfire in more than 100 years in Jasper National Park,” reads the Park’s most recent Facebook post.
The fire remains classified as out of control, meaning a perimeter has not been secured. Though recent fire activity has been low due to cool and wet weather, conditions will return to slightly warmer and drier today. Areas that did not receive rain may see increased fire behaviour over the next few days.
Teams are working on establishing containment lines along the fire perimeters closest to town. They are also working on suppressing spot fires in the Pyramid Bench Area near the town, along with other high-priority areas. Bucketing will be taking place in Marmot Basin today. The status of Marmot Basin is currently unknown.
“Fire suppression has been progressing well (in the townsite), and we are anticipating that all remaining fires in the townsite will be extinguished today.”
Damage assessment has begun on road and bridge infrastructure, and power is being restored to critical infrastructure today. The status of Parks Canada campgrounds has not yet been confirmed.
Authorities are also working on a plan to help evacuees travel from the Valemount area to Hinton to reunite with friends and family, according to the post.
Additionally, authorities remind travellers not to skirt around highway closures.
“We are receiving reports of increased numbers of violations of the closure of Jasper National Park along the Icefields Parkway,” the Facebook post reads. “There are no services available as all resources are engaged in responding to the Jasper Wildfire Complex… search and rescue services are unavailable, and no road rescue response is possible.”
Alberta Town Hall
The Alberta Government will be having a remote town hall this Monday, July 29th, at 6:30 p.m. MDT to give updates on the wildfire and answer evacuees’ questions. To participate, dial 1-833-380-0691 or visit https://video.teleforumonline.com/video/streaming.php…. A recording will be made available after the event for those who cannot attend.
