Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
The fire danger rating is high in Jasper National Park due to hot and dry weather being forecasted for at least the next week in Alberta.
Although the park received some precipitation June 23, the wildfire danger rating is expected to rise given the current forecast.
In a June 25 newsletter, Parks Canada says it’s ready to respond to wildfire incidents and is closely monitoring conditions.
“A team of fire personnel and a helicopter are ready to respond in the event of a wildfire. They are conducting regular patrols to check for wildfires, smoke and illegal campfires.”
Parks Canada offered the following tips to use fire responsibly and prevent human-caused fires:
- Campfires are only allowed in fire pits or boxes provided by Parks Canada. Campfires must be attended at all times.
- Completely extinguish your campfire with water. Soak it, stir it, and soak it again until it is cool to the touch before leaving it.
- Campfires are not allowed in some backcountry campgrounds. Check the backcountry camping information or ask at the park visitor centre before setting out on your hike.
- Do not throw cigarettes on the ground. Put them out and discard them in a bin.
Environment Canada also issued a heat warning on June 25, forecasting afternoon high temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius that would climb to the mid-30s the following day and could approach 40 C in some regions early next week.
“A prolonged, dangerous, and potentially historic heat wave will begin this weekend in Alberta and will last through next week,” Environment Canada stated.
“Little to no reprieve from the heat is expected, as overnight lows will remain between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.”
People are advised to reschedule outdoor activities to cooler hours, take frequent breaks from the heat, drink plenty of water and check for your children or pets before exiting the vehicle.
Report any wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Dispatch at 780-852-6155 or call 911.
The current fire danger can be found at parkscanada.gc.ca/jasperfireupdate
