Some crews leaving, others arriving soon to fight Chetamon wildfire
Posted Sep 19, 2022 1:20 pm.
Last Updated Sep 19, 2022 1:21 pm.
Officials with Parks Canada say some firefighting crews are leaving and others are arriving soon to replace them as the Chetamon wildfire in Jasper continues to burn.
Parks Canada says as of Monday, 93 firefighting personnel and five helicopters are in Jasper National park fighting the fire, down from more than 125 firefighters and nine helicopters reported a week ago.
Officials say more firefighters will be brought in later this week to replace those who have left.
Meanwhile, cooler temperatures in the area has slowed fire activity, meaning crews have been able to “access new areas of the fire.”
“The focus of operations remains to be to extinguish hot spots along the fire’s perimeter,” Parks Canada said in a release. “This important work will help reduce the risk of any remaining fire burning underground and popping up again in the winter or spring.”
On top of that work, crews are removing equipment such as pumps and hose from some areas, as well as assessing and addressing nearby dead and/or damaged trees that may catch fire along roads and trails.
Parks Canada maintains “there is no risk to communities” and the fire is under control.
