The fire crew at Jasper National Park monitors the Alberta park from a helicopter/Jennifer Bain

Jasper National Park’s wildfire management team is prepared for the upcoming season. The team includes two initial attack crews of four members each, supported by a fire management officer, assistant fire management officer, fire specialist and two fire technicians.

Fire personnel monitor weather stations, ensure technical equipment is tested and ready to use, and analyze data. They also develop plans for prescribed fires and models to assist in wildfire risk reduction and wildfire preparedness.

Extensive planning and preparation are ongoing to ensure Parks Canada is prepared to respond to wildfire incidents, including:

• Fire crews maintain physical fitness, review pre-season material and test equipment.

• Fire bans, as well as other tools such as area closures, may be used to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

• Emergency and evacuation planning are updated with partners at the Municipality of Jasper and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.

• Preparedness levels vary throughout the season as they are based on wildfire conditions and fuel receptivity, but Parks Canada ensures all resources are in place, fully equipped, and that training requirements are fulfilled.

Parks Canada has fire personnel across the country and enlists partners for help/Parks Canada

Parks Canada maintains dedicated teams of fire personnel across the country that can be quickly deployed to assist in managing wildfires anywhere in Canada. Additional resources can also be acquired as needed through Parks Canada’s Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre partners and contract service agreements.

Parks Canada collaborates with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners and local communities to ensure appropriate wildfire readiness and response.

Wildfires are a natural and frequent part of Canada’s mountain national parks. Here’s how park visitors can be prepared:

• Have enough fuel in your tank to get to your next destination.

• Know your location to better understand directions.

• Share your travel plans with friends or family.

• Monitor the current fire danger at parkscanada.gc.ca/jasperfireupdate.

• Visit getprepared.gc.ca for tips and jasper-alberta.com for local resources.

Jasper experienced extreme weather this spring. From extended periods of hot and dry weather early this spring, to wet and heavy snowfall in the middle of June, it said “the wild weather is a reminder of our need to adapt to the future impacts of climate change and create healthier landscapes that are more resilient to the changing climate.”

This year’s wildfire season started earlier than normal due to the below-average snowpack and unseasonably warm weather.

Seasonal weather forecasting is inherently difficult and based on scientific modelling. Although climate change will continue to lead to longer, hotter and drier periods across Canada, the lower-than-average winter precipitation and rainfall Jasper received throughout the winter will play a large role in the upcoming wildfire season.