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Jasper's Wildfire Continues But Visitors Welcomed Back

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Power poles that have been burned down in the Jasper wildfire.

Power poles that have been burned down in the Jasper wildfire/ATCO

Parks Canada is welcoming visitors back to Jasper National Park now that transmission power has been restored to the townsite of Jasper, outlying areas and Whistlers Campground.

“Thank you for changing plans and your support of Jasper and the national park during this significant emergency,” Parks Canada said in a news release.

The Chetamon Wildfire started Sept. 1 by a lightning strike and while it's still actively burning, there are no communities at risk. Smoky air conditions persist in the region from wildfire smoke coming into Alberta from British Columbia and the United States.

Beginning Sept. 20, visitors can book through the Parks Canada Reservation System for Whistlers Campground until Oct. 10. All remaining frontcountry campgrounds (including Snaring) are closed for the season. New backcountry campground reservations will begin Sept. 15 at [email protected] or 1-877-737-3783.

An aerial view of the Chetamon Wildfire in Jasper National Park.

An aerial view of the Chetamon Wildfire in Jasper National Park/Parks Canada

Meanwhile, firefighters are making their way around the wildfire perimeter and into more challenging terrain.

On the north end, crews are working to extinguish several hot spots in more difficult-to-reach locations and reinforcing the containment line from the Snake Indian River south to the Athabasca River.

On the south end, crews are working in steeper areas on Mount Chetamon and a ridge above the Snaring River to extend an established containment line and to extinguish hot spots. Firefighters are also patrolling the south perimeter and completing a fireguard north of the Jasper Transfer Station.

Parks Canada has 96 firefighting personnel and five helicopters battling the wildfire, which is estimated to be about 6,000 hectares (14,800 acres).

Many areas on lower slopes have been contained. Parks Canada continues to work with ATCO Electric to facilitate safe access, material staging and danger tree removal for power line repairs.

With effective firefighting efforts preventing significant wildfire spread and the cooler forecast this week, proactive protection measures south of the wildfire are no longer needed. Contractors started dismantling the high-volume sprinkler system on Pyramid Bench on Wednesday. Motorists were told to expect short, intermittent delays on Pyramid Lake Road on Wednesday and Thursday as heavy equipment leaves the site.

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

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