Parks Canada is now classifying the Jasper Wildfire Complex as “being held” the day after residents began re-entering the townsite.
Jonathan Large, incident commander with Parks Canada, said “being held” means the 33,000-hectare fire isn’t expected to spread in any priority areas based on current and expected weather and resourcing.
“All of us here at the Unified Command Team have mixed emotions as we make this announcement today,” Large said during a Saturday (Aug. 17) media briefing.
“We thank all the responders involved in helping us achieve this milestone while also recognizing the loss of Morgan Kitchen, the young firefighter from Calgary who lost his life on Aug. 3 while working to bring this blaze under control.”
Beginning 27 days ago, the Jasper Wildfire Complex includes many fires ignited by lightning on July 22 that quickly grew beyond the capacity of initial attack crews.
The out-of-control wildfires promoted the evacuation of 25,000 people and destroyed nearly a third of the Jasper townsite.
Large explained that the lengthy heat dome leading up to the dry lightning storm had created challenging firefighting conditions by drying out trees, grass and the atmosphere.
“We want to reiterate that the unimaginable pace and growth was set early on, and it’s a true testament to the commitment of the Unified Command Team that the evacuation of visitors, staff and residents in town, and especially those along the Icefields Parkway where the wildfire charged at the heels of first responders, was completed safely,” he said.
Large added that they were proud to call this wildfire “being held,” especially on the same day as Morgan Kitchen’s memorial in Calgary.
“This is what we’ve all been working towards, but the work isn’t done yet,” he said.
“Right now, over 500 people are still on the incident, and they continue to work towards ensuring public safety beyond the town so that Jasper National Park and the townsite can heal.”
The next phase will be focused on working toward an “under control” status.
Recent showers have helped crews make progress in priority areas, but there is a concern that heavy rain could compromise the stability of slopes.
Large noted that they would be bringing in geotechnical experts to start evaluating slopes around town and along highways.
Parks Canada reminded the public that Jasper National Park is a no-drone zone, and recreational drone usage carried a maximum fine of $25,000.
While there are Parks Canada-approved and operational-based drone activities taking place over various locations, the agency warned that recreational drone activities are illegal and dangerous, particularly in the airspace near the wildfire.
Re-entry progress
Christine Nadon, incident commander with the Municipality of Jasper, said they weren’t sure about the exact number of residents who have returned to town since re-entry began on Friday (Aug. 16).
However, ATCO Gas relit between 330 and 350 residences, and between 500 and 700 people visited the Re-Entry Support Centre in Commemoration Park.
“A good share of our residents in the unaffected area came back, but there's also quite a few residents that might still be waiting, whether for personal reasons or because they're further away, or you prefer to wait before coming back to Jasper,” Nadon said.
Utilities continue to be impacted, particularly in the southwest area of town, and repairs are ongoing.
“Please note that the utilities crews are working as quickly as possible to restore services and that they sincerely appreciate the patience of Jasper residents,” Nadon said.
Nadon added that if residents had water access issues and weren’t listed on the map outlining affected areas, they should report this to the Re-Entry Support Centre in Commemoration Park.
She reminded residents that the re-entry guide given to them was a comprehensive handbook to navigate the process of returning to town.
Only residents are currently permitted to access the townsite, and Mounties will turn away any non-residents and redirect them to the highway.
Highway 16 is open only from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and may close without notice.
Residents are asked to stay vigilant for bears, which have been spotted throughout town, including two moms with two cubs each.
Household waste can be disposed of normally in the bear-proof garbage bins near their residence.
Garbage or attractants like food or pet food should not be left outside.
If residents spot a bear in town this weekend, they are asked to report it to Parks Canada Dispatch at 1-780-852-6155.
