Jasper crews to take over managing Chetamon wildfire

Jasper National Park fire crews will take over managing the Chetamon wildfire on Friday as the National Incident Management Team’s shift ends.

Parks Canada says it expects “a noticeable decrease in resources” over the coming weeks as work nears completion on the south, east, and northern flanks of the wildfire.

Although the National Incident Management Team is handing over wildfire management to local fire crews, extra fire crews and helicopters are sticking around to help Jasper personnel.

“Jasper National Park fire personnel will continue to monitor active areas of the Chetamon wildfire using technology like remote cameras, infrared scanning, and assessing moisture levels through rain gauges.

“Fire suppression actions will be taken if and when necessary, such as when people or infrastructure are at risk,” Parks Canada said in a release.

READ MORE:

• Chetamon wildfire in Jasper National Park remains contained

• Jasper wildfire: Cool weather, rain help crews fight fire

• Some crews leaving, others arriving soon to fight Chetamon wildfire

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The Chetamon fire remains at about 6,000 hectares, however, there is no risk to nearby communities, Parks Canada says.

Parks Canada has 73 firefighters and four helicopters in the area fighting the wildfire, it says.

Meanwhile, Parks Canada says the way things are going, the fire is actually beneficial to the ecology of the area.

“During a wildfire, fuels (branches, logs, shrubs) are broken down and consumed. As the vegetation is broken down, a flush of nutrients are released into the soil. However, fire is not only ecologically beneficial but, when safely managed, helps create landscape-level fuel breaks, which limit the spread of future wildfires.

“Leaving fire on the landscape restores the natural fire cycle and is an efficient way not only to remove mountain pine beetle-killed trees (highly flammable) but also to protect values at risk and restore ecological integrity,” Parks Canada said.

Officials are again reminding people not to fly their drones in the national park, especially near the wildfire.

Five drone-related incidents have already resulted in charges, and illegally flying a drone in Jasper National Park carries the maximum fine of $25,000.