Sprinkler system surrounding community to be dismantled

Firefighters are “locking in” the north and south ends of the Chetamon mountain wildfire east of the Jasper townsite in Jasper National Park. 

Cool temperatures and lighter winds have allowed firefighting personnel to safely work at the head of the fire, secure the perimeter and extinguish spot fires and hot spots, according to Parks Canada.

“With the support of helicopter bucketing, the team continues to have success in reinforcing containment lines at both the south and north ends and on the east flank of the wildfire along the Athabasca River,” Parks Canada said in a September 13 update. 

The estimated size of the wildfire is 5,900 hectares. The wildfire began in the early morning of September 1. Two days later it intensified, growing exponentially. On September 4, it knocked out electricity transmission lines to the Jasper townsite and surrounding properties. While Parks Canada firefighting crews worked to suppress the fire, ATCO worked to bring back the community’s power with the use of generators‚ starting with critical and essential infrastructure. Since bringing in an additional generator (seven total) yesterday, the power situation has stabilized in Jasper, ATCO has said. Transmission line crews are making progress rebuilding the line. No estimated timeframe has been given for reconnection.

High volume sprinkler system to be dismantled

Out of an abundance of caution, on September 7, to protect the townsite from potential wildfire spread, Parks Canada contractors set up a high-volume fire suppression sprinkler system around the community’s fire guard. Now, with five days of effective firefighting efforts preventing southward spread of the Chetamon wildifre, plus the cooler forecast for this week, that sprinkler system is being dismantled. Facility protection sprinkler systems around the waste water treatment plant, the Palisades Stewardship Education Centre and Snaring Campground will also come down. That work begins today (September 13).

Smoke from afar

Jasper remains smoky, but the air conditions are not from the Chetamon wildfire. Smoke is drifting from wildfires in British Columbia and the United States. Smoke could affect highway driving conditions, Parks Canada notes. 

Campgrounds remain closed in Jasper National Park until at least September 26, the agency said. 

Follow Jasper National Park’s social media, the Municipality of Jasper’s social media and ATCO Power’s social media for the most recent updates

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com