Parks Canada will be using prescribed fire in two areas of Jasper National Park to reduce the danger of wildfire while restoring some of our landscape and providing some mitigation from the mountain pine beetle.
Parks Canada is a world leader with more than 30 years of experience in using fire to naturally restore and maintain the ecological integrity of national parks and historic sites. Operations will only begin when forest and weather conditions permit and take place when the objectives of the prescribed fire can be met safely. The safety of the public, our crews, park infrastructure and neighbouring lands is always the agency鈥檚 number one priority. As always, advance notice will be provided to the community before any prescribed fire. There is no need to call 911 or other emergency services to report smoke coming from Jasper National Park.
Prescribed fires reduce fuel to lessen the severity of wildfires, release nutrients and allow for a mosaic of ecosystems that support diverse plants and wildlife. Fire crews have been at work throughout the summer months preparing areas on the Pyramid Bench, west of Jasper for a prescribed fire. 聽The fire area covers approximately 140 hectares between Patricia Lake and Cabin Lake. The two units should each take one to two days to burn. Smoke may affect the Municipality of Jasper.
All trails west of Pyramid Lake Road and north of Mina Lake will be closed. Parks Canada鈥檚 fire management experts will also perform a prescribed fire near the east gate to Jasper National Park, just over 30 kilometres west of Hinton this fall. 聽The 350 hectare fire will take place along Highway 16 just east of the Miette Hot Springs Road. It should take one to two days to burn.
This fire is designed to create a natural fire guard to help prevent both wildfire and mountain pine beetle from moving beyond Jasper National Park鈥檚 boundaries and into the working forest of Alberta. Smoke will be visible in the Hinton and Brule areas and could drift downwind up to 100 km away including the Highway 16 corridor and valley bottoms.
Reminder
Parks Canada plans prescribed fires very carefully by taking into consideration the appropriate weather and fuel (vegetation conditions) to ensure the safety of the public, our crews, park infrastructure and neighbouring lands. Through safe and effective fire management, we are reducing the danger of wildfire to the public, infrastructure and neighbouring lands, while improving the ecological health of our forests and grasslands.
People with respiratory ailments are encouraged to contact their local health professional for advice specific to their condition if they have questions. Other general health related inquiries can be directed to Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-LINK. 聽Traffic may be impacted on Highway 16. Updates will be posted at AB511. Information on trail and other closures will be available at www.pc.gc.ca/jasper or by emailing [email protected]
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