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Jasper Relies On Generators During Wildfire

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By NPT Staff - September 9th, 2022
Jasper National Park has been battling a wildfire caused by a lightning strike since Sept. 1.

Jasper National Park has been battling a wildfire caused by a lightning strike since Sept. 1/Parks Canada

Jasper National Park and the Municipality of Jasper are experiencing significant challenges caused by the Chetamon Mountain wildfire and damage to electric powerlines.

There is no risk to any communities at this time, and Parks Canada’s first priority is the safety of people, personnel and critical infrastructure in Jasper and neighboring Brule. But the townsite is grappling with extended power outages.

“Parks Canada is reducing our draw on the very limited and unreliable power that is available on the generators that are supporting Jasper’s critical and essential electrical needs,” the park said in a Thursday news release. “In order to do that, Parks Canada has significantly reduced our visitor services offer in Jasper National Park to focus our efforts on power conservation, critical and essential services, and wildfire management.”

All reservable frontcountry campgrounds (Whistlers, Wapiti, Wabasso and Miette) are closed, and most self-registration campgrounds are also closed for the season.

Parks Canada asks visitors to make alternate plans and return when regular power and services are restored. ATCO expects it will take several weeks rebuild the transmission infrastructure, and Parks Canada is ensuring that ATCO personnel can safely access the transmission line for assessments and repairs.

Smoke blankets Jasper National Park in Alberta.

Smoke blankets Jasper National Park in Alberta/Parks Canada

The fire was started by a lightning strike on Sept. 1 and is burning east of the townsite.

The park reports that:

• Smoke conditions are expected to pick up. A highway closure is the last resort but Parks Canada and the RCMP are prepared to use traffic control on Hwy. 16 if needed. Check Alberta 5-1-1 for updates.

• Yellowhead Hwy. 16 remains open as a through highway and an important national transportation corridor, but traffic control measures may be put in place if needed.

• The Icefields Parkway remains open as a national park road corridor connecting to Banff National Park.

• Snaring and Overflow campgrounds are closed for wildfire operations. Jonas and Kerkeslin campgrounds are closed for the season.

• Backcountry trails and campgrounds on the North Boundary are now closed.

• No new backcountry permits are being issued in Jasper area closures.

• Snaring and Celestine Roads are closed and all areas north of the Snaring River including the North Boundary Trail.

• An area known as Pyramid Bench is closed for the proactive installation of a high-volume sprinkler.

• Talbot Lake and Talbot Lake Day Use area are closed to all traffic and travel until further notice.

• The Jasper Airstrip is closed to private aircraft access to make room for aircraft operating on the wildfire. Public access to this site is not closed.

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. 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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