Parks Canada is warning about the risk of falling trees in the Jasper townsite due to stronger winds, even in areas not impacted by the wildfire.
Crews will need to assess any dangerous trees before they are removed, the federal agency said.
“Debris removal is underway at impacted businesses along Connaught Drive,” Parks Canada stated in a Tuesday evening update.
“Crews are also installing perimeter fencing around damaged structures. An initial structural assessment of the hospital reported no damage.”
Crews are working on restoring power to key areas in town and have so far managed to re-energize the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada operations.
The Jasper wildfire complex remains out of control.
Parks Canada said the current priority areas are Pyramid Bench and south of Pyramid Lake – near Marmot Basin – and the fire perimeter closest to the north end of town.
Crews were able to remove some structure protection sprinklers, but the large 12-inch-high volume line remains in place.
Parks Canada may also consider burning out burned and partially burned trees between dozer guards and the edge of the fire.
“These operations help to remove fuel from the fire under carefully chosen conditions to prevent the fire from breaching control lines,” the agency stated.
Parks Canada reported the weather was warmer than expected on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 26 Celsius and winds gusting to 30 km/h, leading to moderately increased fire activity.
There was also some growth on the southernmost end of the fire along the Icefields Parkway.
Wednesday’s forecast is expected to be similar, and there may be increased smoke in the area.
Jasper National Park remains closed and under evacuation order.
