‘Now is not the time to visit Jasper’ as Chetamon wildfire burns

Officials with Parks Canada are asking visitors to stay away from Jasper National Park for at least another day, as the Chetamon Mountain wildfire continues to burn.

Parks Canada suggests making other plans and rescheduling visits to the area, saying it is only able to “provide essential services for the townsite and surrounding areas.”

Officials maintain that there is no risk to any communities at this time.

Fire crews are continuing work to protect Jasper’s critical infrastructure and say the size of the fire has decreased to 5,500 hectares, down from 6,150 hectares reported Tuesday.

“A large-scale high volume sprinkler system is being placed on the community fire guard to proactively protect infrastructure within the townsite,” Parks Canada said in a statement.

“In addition to these industrial sprinklers along Cabin Lake fire road, firefighters on the ground are working with waterways like rivers that provide natural protection lines between the community and linking them with forest and fuel cleared areas.”

Crews have placed hoses and sprinklers around various other key areas to protect the town.

Firefighters are also removing trees from certain parts of the woods nearby to try and prevent the fire from spreading even more.

Officials previously said the wildfire “will progressively become more intense” without more rain.

Illegal drones hamper firefighting efforts 

Meanwhile, officials are warning people to keep their drones out of the area.

Eight helicopters spent Tuesday morning dropping buckets of water to fight the fire, but two illegal drones grounded all aircraft by the afternoon.

“While both drone operators will be charged, this activity threatens first responder safety and significantly delays efforts to protect people and critical infrastructure,” Parks Canada said. “Aircraft will resume water bucketing on Wednesday, and Parks Canada appreciates the public’s assistance with rapid reporting of this dangerous and illegal drone use,”

Fire aircraft pilots have to deal with thick smoke and heavy winds, as well as the fire itself, all while flying low to the ground. Parks Canada says pilots shouldn’t have to watch out for drones on top of those hazards.

Anyone caught flying a drone illegally in the area of the wildfire “will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible” and can face fines of up to $25,000.

Power was cut off to Jasper early Monday morning because of the wildfire.

ATCO restored electricity to the hospital, fire hall, and emergency crisis centre by Monday afternoon.

Power was restored to about half of the town Wednesday.

“Technical difficulties & the complex process of generator power transference has delayed full restoration,” ATCO said in a statement. “Our crews continue to work quickly & safely as we continue to take direction from the Municipality & Jasper National Park to power the remaining sites.”