Jasper Wildfire Complex ‘being held’ leads to reopening of hot springs and trail

A hot springs and trail in Jasper National Park reopened Sunday following the Jasper Wildfire Complex’s status changing to “being held.”

Parks Canada says the Jasper wildfire, a mixture of fires that converged into one — all being ignited by lightning on July 22, isn’t affecting the area around the Miette Hot Springs and Source of the Springs Trail, while adding the nearby Utopia fire is now out.

It adds the opening won’t reduce the capacity of Parks Canada in helping Jasper residents re-enter the town after they started heading home on Friday.

Bungalows right next to the hot springs, along with the Miette Mountain Cabins at the junction of Highway 16 and Miette Road, are also reopening on Sunday.

“Parks Canada recognizes the importance of the hot springs to Canadians and the hot springs’ role in supporting regional tourism operators and the economy,” a news release reads.

In the meantime, all other areas are still closed, which includes park facilities that can be accessed from Miette Road, like the Miette Campground.

This comes as the 33,000-hectare Jasper Wildfire Complex was classified as “being held” from the previous status of “out-of-control,” which means the fire is not expected to spread in any “priority areas based on current and expected weather and resourcing.”

Crews say the evacuation alert has also been lifted from Jasper. The park is still a no-drone zone, with a maximum fine of $25,000 if caught.