Jasper National Park’s Downpour Slows Fires, But Raises Concerns
Parks Canada reported that a weekend downpour in parts of Jasper National Park has helped to reduce fire activity, but the wet conditions also come with a caution.
According to a daily update on the local wildfire situation, over 30 millimetres of rain fell in certain areas of the national park on Friday night.
The forecast also includes cooler temperatures, which Parks Canada believes could further diminish fire activity.
However, the organization warns that the heavy rain may destabilize slopes and burned trees, and strong or shifting winds could lead to the collapse of fire-damaged trees with weak roots.
The wildfire that led to the evacuation of the park and Jasper townsite for several weeks was recently classified as “being held.”
Although Jasper National Park and the town remain closed to visitors, Highway 16 within the park is open, and the Icefields Parkway linking Jasper to Banff and Lake Louise has reopened to through traffic.
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Parks Canada mentioned in its Saturday update that assessments of hazardous trees near park highways have indicated that they are safe for motorists.
Only roads within the townsite and Pyramid Lake Road are deemed safe for biking, jogging, and strolling, the organization added.
Based on the positive progress made by firefighting crews against the Jasper Wildfire Complex, Parks Canada will now transition from daily updates to weekly ones, unless there is a surge in fire activity.
