While the Jasper Wildfire Complex is still classified as out of control, the entire fire perimeter is 78 per cent contained or controlled.
Parks Canada also reported Wednesday (Aug. 15) that the northwest perimeter of the fire that presents a risk to the townsite is 99 per cent contained or controlled.
The priority is to establish a 100 per cent containment status on the northwest perimeter.
Parks Canada clarified that “contained” means the fire is not likely to spread beyond existent or predetermined boundaries under prevailing and forecasted conditions.
A “controlled” fire perimeter, meanwhile, means that the fire is not expected to spread any further.
Showers are forecasted for later this week, which Parks Canada said should help crews work to minimize fire activity in other areas of the park.
With the support of helicopter bucketing, crews have extinguished hot spots south of the Palisades and north of the Jasper Transfer Station.
South of Maligne Road, firefighters are using natural fire breaks such as rock features and the road to stabilize the fire.
Crews are also working in the Whirlpool area to prevent further spread to maintain caribou habitat.
“Jasper has various places for helicopters to scoop up water in buckets to drop on active fire areas,” Parks Canada added.
“Bladders allow firefighters to feed hose lines with a guaranteed water supply. Bladders are set up at Morrow Slab, Palisades, Lake Edith, the SkyTram parking lot and other key areas.”
As re-entry for residents is set to begin Friday (Aug. 16), Parks Canada warned that the return date is conditional on achieving and maintaining the re-entry criteria.
This includes Parks Canada confirming that the wildfire is no longer an imminent threat to the townsite.
The wildfire is around 33,048 hectares. Jasper National Park remains closed and under an evacuation order.
