By Spencer Hall
Parks Canada says parts of the southern fire in Jasper National Park have reached the Jasper townsite.
Incident commander for Parks Canada Katie Ellsworth said the fire was driven by strong winds from the south and southeast and reached the municipality shortly after 6 p.m. MDT.
Witnesses on the ground say the Petro Canada, Brightspot and Jasper-Maligne Lodge were some businesses already impacted by the fire.
Ellsworth said suppression efforts by bucket helicopters Wednesday afternoon were ineffective and fire guards weren’t able to be put in before heavy equipment needed to be pulled off the fire line for their own safety. Dangerous flying conditions prevented further assistance from Alberta water bombers.
“An ignition specialist also arrived, with the goal to complete landscape-level ignition in order to bring the fire to large holding features such as Highway 16 and Athabasca River. Unfortunately, unfavourable conditions prevented this,” Ellsworth said.
She urges Jasper residents who have not evacuated to do so now for their own safety and to allow critical operations to protect the town to continue without obstruction.
“Parks Canada, the Municipality of Jasper, as well as responders from Alberta and other provinces are continuing with efforts to protect the town. The safety of the public and responders is our top priority,” Ellsworth said in a release.
She said firefighters remain in town, combating spot fires and maintaining sprinkler lines.
About 10-20mm of rain is expected in Jasper tonight, beginning at about 9pm MDT.
“If the area receives rain it will help to reduce fire activity,” Ellsworth said.
“Our hearts go out to all of the affected community members, their families and their friends, many of which include our local first responders. Further updates and more information will be provided as soon as conditions allow for it,” she said.
With files from Lindsay Warner
