Officials with Jasper National Park have provided an update on the status of the Jasper Complex Wildfire and the progress being made on re-entry efforts for Jasper residents.
Cooler temperatures over the last couple of days has minimized the intensity of the fire and allowed crews to make good progress on containment efforts. Officials say reduced smoke in the air meant helicopter pilots were able to gather updated GPS data which has allowed them to estimate the current size of the fire to be 33,000 hectares but is still classified as out of control
Crews say they are making progress in the areas of the Palisades Centre and Pyramid Lake Lodge and are continuing to patrol for hot spots south of Moberly Bridge, between Lake Annette and Lake Trefoil, near Kerkeslin Campground, Athabasca Falls and Cavell Station.
Officials say clean-up efforts in the townsite are progressing well, with crews preparing for the resumption of essential services and utilities which need to be operational in order for residents to return home. Crews say heavy equipment is only being used on private properties where a hazard is creating a safety risk or would prevent a homeowner from accessing their property.
Officials also say Highway 16 re-opened to all traffic in both directions on Friday, Aug. 9, between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Drivers are being warned that stopping along Highway 16 in the Park is prohibited and are also being advised to fill up on gas and use the restroom before travelling through the park because all rest stops and fueling stations are closed.
More evacuee information and updates on re-entry progress can be found on the Municipality of Jasper website.
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