The area around the Chetamon Mountain wildfire, including the Celestine Lakes Road, remains closed.

The Chetamon wildfire remains active, with small areas of fire visible, Parks Canada said in a March 27 update.

“Smouldering fire was captured by a remote camera installed to assist with with wildfire monitoring,” the statement reads.

Risks to the public also include falling fire-damaged trees.

The areas of wildfire activity are isolated within the wildfire perimeter, with little current risk of spreading beyond the fire’s boundary, but Parks Canada will continue to monitor the area and will action priority hotspots when surface water is available. In mid-April, Parks Canada will conduct an infrared scan of the Chetamon area, the agency said. They will provide anticipated opening dates of the Celestine Road area in mid-May.

Parks Canada will issue an update on the Chetamon wildfire at that time. 

“The Celestine Road area is an important destination for Indigenous partners, visitors and Jasper residents. Parks Canada recognizes people are interested in visiting and recreating in this area,” the agency said.

Entering a closure closed by order of the Superintendent is a violation of the Canada National Parks Act and carries a maximum penalty of $25,000.  

Geraldine Lakes Road closed

An area closure on the Geraldine Lakes Road is also now in place.

To facilitate construction of Parks Canada’s conservation breeding centre for caribou in Jasper National Park, public access to Geraldine Road will be limited. Potential hazards include falling trees, heavy equipment and vehicle traffic in the area, Parks Canada has said.

“Geraldine Road will be closed to all public access until mid-June 2023,” a March 9 statement said.

After June, until late September in 2023 and 2024, public access to Geraldine Road will be open to vehicle traffic only, Parks Canada said.

“Bikers, walkers, hikers, skiers, early and late-season backpacking will be impacted by this construction until 2024,” trails ambassador Loni Klettl posted on the Jasper Trails Facebook page recently.

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com