Eight hikers are being charged for violating an area closure in Jasper National Park after Parks Canada was asked to evacuate two of them.
On Sept. 10, the two hikers called Jasper Dispatch via 911 and were evacuated via helicopter from Pyramid Mountain.
Visitor safety technicians conducted an on-site assessment but found no injuries justifying the call for assistance. According to Parks Canada, the hikers claimed to be tired and unable to complete the rest of their hike.
“Despite consistent public communication about areas closures through various channels, including on-site signage, the party of eight hikers entered the area closure in Jasper National Park,” said Janelle Verbruggen, spokesperson for Parks Canada, in an update. “The rescue tied up visitor safety resources, one of two helicopters working on the wildfire response for upwards of three hours, and Park Wardens.”
Park Wardens issued each of the eight individuals a court appearance notice under the Canada National Parks Act for entering a closed area. Parks Canada says no further details about the incident will be shared at this time.
Those who violate an area closure could face a fine up to $25,000.
“Violating an area closure is a federal offence that has serious consequences – closures are legal mechanisms used to ensure public safety,” Verbruggen said. “Park Wardens patrol Jasper National Park and are actively enforcing the ongoing area closure for the Jasper Wildfire Complex.”
She added that distress calls without merit could tie up visitor safety specialists and limit their ability to respond to another life-threatening incident happening at the same time.
Much of the national park remains closed due to safety concerns associated with the Jasper Wildfire Complex, although areas continue to be reopened on a weekly basis.
On Friday (Sept. 20), Parks Canada reopened the Saturday Night Lake Loop Trail, Magic Ridge Trail and the Suburbs climbing area. It also reopened the remainder of unburnt privies and pullouts on the Icefields Parkway, not including trailheads or parking lots.
Robie Gourd, Parks Canada’s director of recovery, reminded the public that areas of the townsite and park remained closed.
“In recent weeks, Parks Canada’s law enforcement have found people entering closed areas despite clear signage and guidelines,” he said during a press briefing on Friday (Sept. 20). “When these boundaries are ignored, it jeopardizes your safety and the safety of the dedicated staff and community members who are working tirelessly towards recovery.”
Gourd added that drone use is illegal in Jasper National Park without prior authorization from Parks Canada.
“While drones may appear harmless, they pose significant safety hazards to our work,” he said. “Their presence can ground helicopters and disrupt crucial operations, potentially endangering lives. This is not the time to test these boundaries.”
