UPDATE: Highway 16 is scheduled to reopen at 7 a.m. Monday. Parks Canada reminded drivers to check 511 Alberta before departing since wildfire conditions or operational requirements could result in road closures with little to no notice.
Highway 16 was closed on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 11) for strategic operations and was scheduled to reopen for the early evening.
However, smoky conditions have closed it again as of 6:30 p.m.
This closure is unrelated to strategic ignition activities, which Parks Canada said were now complete.
Check 511 Alberta for the latest updates.
Parks Canada has reported that the northwest wildfire perimeter is now at 89 per cent contained, and crews are focusing on this area to fully eliminate the threat to the townsite.
The wildfire at lakes Edith and Trefoil as well as the Jasper Park Lodge area is now classified as controlled.
The Jasper Wildfire Complex overall remains classified as out-of-control and is around 33,000 hectares.
Miette, Snaring, and Snaring Overflow campgrounds are now safe to access, and Parks Canada is reaching out to campers to retrieve items that they left behind at these sites during the evacuation.
Parks Canada says it will contact visitors who were staying at other campgrounds once they are deemed safe to access.
Re-entry details coming, bus tours ongoing
The date of re-entry and more details are expected to be announced Monday (Aug. 12), according to Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland.
Crews have been working to restore critical services and mitigate hazards in preparation for re-entry.
Parks Canada warned that restoration of residential services could take up to three weeks or more depending on the area.
“Residents should be prepared to be as self-sufficient as possible, given retail and fuel services could be limited,” the agency stated.
Bus tours continue this week for Jasper residents wishing to view the community.
Over 130 residents have toured the townsite so far, and the province says tours will continue to be scheduled so long as there are registrations and conditions remain safe.
Residents can register for a bus tour at alberta.ca/emergency.
A third telephone town hall will take place Monday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for evacuees to get updates on the wildfire situation and answers to their questions from officials.
Evacuees can phone 1-833-380-0691 or join online at alberta.ca/emergency.
