Charges are pending after two hikers in a closed area in Jasper National Park were air-lifted to safety by a Parks Canada rescue team.
On September 10, Jasper National Park dispatchers responded to a 911 call for help by a party attempting to climb Pyramid Mountain—access trails to which are in an area closed by order of the JNP Superintendent.
The hikers were not injured, just tired, Parks Canada media officers have said.
“An on-site assessment by visitor safety technicians found no injuries justifying the call for assistance,” according to a September 20 media statement. “The hikers claimed to be tired and unable to complete the rest of their hike.”
The hikers were two of eight people inside of a closure in the Pyramid Lake area. This, “despite consistent public communication about areas closures through various channels, including on-site signage,” according to JNP media officers.
Park Wardens have issued each of the eight individuals a court appearance notice under the Canada National Parks Act for Entering a Closed Area.
The rescue tied up visitor safety resources, including one of two helicopters working on the wildfire response for upwards of three hours, Parks Canada said.
“Parks Canada Visitor Safety specialists’ role is treating critical injuries and transporting injured people to advanced medical care. Should a more serious emergency be simultaneously unfolding, a distress call without merit may limit the ability to respond to what could be a life threatening incident.”
Violating an area closure is a federal offence, Parks Canada said.
“Closures are legal mechanisms used to ensure public safety.”
Access to Pyramid Lake Road is permitted. Trail use on the Pyramid Bench is permitted with the exception of the Pyramid fire road. The lakes and day use areas are open at Pyramid and Patricia lakes.
According to Jasper National Park, patrolling Parks Canada wardens are actively enforcing ongoing area closures for the Jasper Wildfire Complex. Anyone who violates an area closure is subject to a maximum fine of $25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act.
Jasper National Park is asking visitors to be patient while facilities and areas are gradually reopened in the wake of the 32,000 hectare Jasper Wildfire Complex which has left many areas unsafe.
“Please be patient,” the statement reads. “Respect ongoing closures to help ensure all visitor safety capacity is preserved for those who truly need it.”
Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com
