There are two wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
Jasper Wildfire Complex
Wildfire ANP002 (formally ANP002 and ANP003) is classified as OUT OF CONTROL and Parks Canada is reporting the size to be 32,780 ha. The north and south fires both spread towards the Jasper townsite and have merged together.
The northwest wildfire perimeter is now at 89 per cent contained. Fire crews continue to focus on this area to gain control and secure this perimeter to fully eliminate the threat to the townsite, while patrols for hot spots in the containment area will continue. The wildfire at lakes Edith and Trefoil as well as the Jasper Park Lodge area is now classified as controlled. Fire crews will continue their fire suppression efforts and work to extinguish hot spots. Fire operations on the ground continue to be supported by helicopter bucketing operations.
Yesterday’s planed ignition operation west of the SkyTram base was postponed due to unstable conditions. This operation is planned for today along with another ignition at the Jasper Airstrip area, provided conditions allow. These tactics are used to reduce fire spread by removing fuels, like downed trees and other dry vegetation. Specific criteria must be met for these operations to take place. If conditions allow for today’s operation by the airstrip, AB Highway 16 will be closed for approximately 3-4 hours this afternoon to ensure everyone’s safety. Check Alberta 511 for the latest road updates: https://511.alberta.ca
Miette, Snaring, and Snaring Overflow campgrounds have been assessed and are now safe to access for pick-up of items left behind during the evacuation. Campers who have equipment in these locations are being contacted to coordinate equipment retrieval. Once hazard trees and road conditions are assessed in other Parks Canada campgrounds and their access is deemed safe, visitors will be contacted to coordinate property retrieval. All campgrounds in Jasper National Park remain closed.
Information on infrastructure damage in Jasper National Park can also be found at https://parks.canada.ca/.../feu-alert.../feudeforet-wildfire
For the most up-to-date information on this Complex, visit Parks Canada's website.
The Municipality of Jasper has issued an evacuation order for Jasper National Park. Visit Alberta Emergency Alert for more information.
Highway 16 will reopen to traffic today. Visit 511 Alberta for more information on highway closures.
HCX001 - Semo Complex
Wildfires HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083, HWF136 and HWF141 are part of the Semo Complex.
HWF061 is the largest wildfire in the complex and is 100,791 ha in size. It is located 19 km northeast of John D'or Prairie, 15 km north of Fox Lake and 1.9 km north of Highway 58. It was caused by lightning.
HWF136 is 6,258 ha in size. It is located north of highway 58 and approximately 13 km northwest of Garden River.
HWF053 is approximately 709 ha in size and classified as being held. It is located directly above HWF061.
Other fires in this complex are within or nearby Caribou Mountain Wildland Provincial Park. These fires will be monitored for growth and activity. HWF141, which is currently classified as being held north of HWF061 and east of HWF081, covering approximately 2,450 ha; HWF081, which is classified as being held and last estimated at 50,081 ha; and HWF083, which is classified as being held at 33,740 ha.
Firefighters, heavy equipment operators and helicopters with bucketing capability continue their efforts to extinguish hotspots on the southern perimeter of HWF061 and on the northwest corner of HWF136. These resources also continue to identify and extinguish hotspots and spot fires on the southern perimeter of HWF061 and the northwest perimeter of HWF136.
Work on the guard on the northeast perimeter of HWF136 fire continues as they head west to build containment lines. There was an increase in activity on HWF136, but crews are working to tie in small excursions with natural fuel breaks on the northwest corner. Due to dry conditions, this is expected and crews will work with helicopters bucketing to cool any areas of spread.
A red flag watch is in effect for the High Level and Fort Vermillion areas.
There are over 600 firefighters and support staff, 45 helicopters and 112 pieces of heavy equipment working on this complex. An incident management team is overseeing operations.
See the High Level Forest Area update for more information.
A wildfire of note is determined to be of significant public interest and may pose a threat to public safety, communities or critical infrastructure.
Wildfires of note do not typically include mutual aid wildfires located outside of the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Alberta Wildfire provides assistance on a mutual aid wildfire but is not the lead agency.
The Forest Protection Area of Alberta is divided into ten forest areas. Find the latest updates for each area or subscribe to receive them in your inbox.
Rocky Mountain House Forest Area