While the Jasper fire remains classified as out of control, and will be until a perimeter has been secured or the fire is extinguished, Parks Canada says the fire in the townsite will be put out today.
"Fire suppression has been progressing well, and we are anticipating that all remaining fires within the townsite will be extinguished today," the agency shared in a statement on July 27.
Parks Canada added that power is being restored to parts of the Jasper downtown core and critical infrastructure today, which will help damage assessment and recovery efforts.
Damage assessment has begun on utility, road and bridge infrastructure. Parks Canada has confirmed the extent of the damage to infrastructure in the Jasper townsite so far — 358 structures in Jasper have been destroyed out of a total of 1,113 — and will be releasing a list of affected addresses 'shortly," the agency shared.
Recent fire activity has been low, though the imminent return to slightly warmer and drier weather may lead to increased fire behaviour, stated Parks Canada.
Crews are working along the perimeter closest to the Jasper townsite and are planning for the creation of containment lines, with a focus on securing spot fires in priority areas such as Pyramid Bench, an area adjacent to the townsite.
Bucketing, or dumping water on the fires aerially, will be taking place near Marmot Basin today, approximately twenty minutes south of the Jasper townsite. Parks Canada does not not have a current assessment of the fire's impact on the infrastructure of the popular tourist destination.
An initial aerial survey of the perimeter has measured the fire at approximately 32,000 hectares, making it the largest wildfire in over 100 years in Jasper National Park.
Parks Canada expressed gratitude for support received from first responders and organizations including Alberta Wildfire, the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, the Canadian Armed Forces, ATCO Power, TELUS, CN Rail and municipal fire departments from across the province.
Parks Canada cancelled all Jasper National Park camping and accommodation reservations from July 23 to August 6. While refunds are currently being processed, this date may be reassessed once assessments of the Jasper townsite and outlying infrastructure have been completed, as the status of Parks Canada campgrounds in the park has yet to be confirmed.
The agency additionally advised against violations of the Jasper National Park closure, citing reports of visitors traveling on the park's Icefields Parkway — though there is no risk of wildfires along the Icefields Parkway, "it is critical that visitors do not enter the park at this time," stated Parks Canada.
While Jasper National Park remains closed to visitors and residents, Parks Canada is looking to facilitate travel through the park from the Valemount area to Hinton for evacuees. Parks Canada will share more information on this plan when it is available.
