By Abigail Popple
The Jasper wildfire complex is now estimated to be 36,000 hectares, according to a Facebook post from Jasper National Park. However, it has been difficult to map the size of the fire as clouds have obscured satellite imagery and aircraft have not been able to fly safely.
The post includes a map with the estimated perimeter of the complex, based on observations from those on the ground as well as limited satellite imagery. The map will likely change once aircraft can observe the fire, according to the post.
While the perimeter on the map may overlap areas with property or town infrastructure, this does not necessarily mean those buildings have been damaged.
As of now, the wildfire complex does not pose a threat to neighbouring communities.
Last night’s cool temperatures and rain have continued through today, keeping fire behaviour and spread to a minimum. This behaviour will likely continue for the next 72 hours, says the post.
However, warm weather is forecasted in coming days, which will increase wildfire activity.
The Unified Incident Command Post – which combines every agency that has been battling this fire – is now fully operational from Hinton.
“All agencies know where resources are and what they are being used for,” the post reads. “They can use all available resources and work in tandem rather than working around each other.”
Further updates will come tomorrow, the post concludes.
