The Jasper Wildfire Complex grew about 7,500 hectares and is now around 39,000 hectares, according to Parks Canada in a Thursday (Aug. 1) update.
Parks Canada said this growth was expected and primarily on the south end of the fire.
More growth is anticipated as Jasper continues to get hot and dry weather.
Environment Canada forecasts Jasper will get a high of 34 C on Friday (Aug. 2) and be mainly sunny with a chance of showers in the evening.
Warm temperatures are expected to continue into the weekend, but the chance of showers will steadily increase, with a strong chance of showers on Monday (Aug. 5) and cooler temperatures of around 20 C.
Parks Canada said a night-vision helicopter from Alberta Wildfire will allow bucketing operations throughout the night when wildfire activity is lower.
It will also provide real-time information about the fire status overnight.
Crews work to extinguish hotspots around the townsite and managed to extinguish all hotspots around the water treatment plant.
Small-scale ignition work helped strengthen control lines along Pyramid Bench.
Crews continue to put perimeter fencing around damaged structures, and if conditions allow them to continue safely, they are expected to finish by Sunday (Aug. 4).
Utilities work and debris cleanup also continue downtown, and undamaged contents are being recovered from damaged businesses where possible.
The Canadian Red Cross will be setting up a reception centre for evacuees in Hinton, which should soon be operational.
Details on the location and how to register will be posted when available.
Commercial traffic on Highway 16 resumed in Jasper National Park but only at specific times. Check 511 Alberta for the latest updates.
