Smoke may be visible today and in the following week from test burns ahead of a potential prescribed fire near Marjorie Lake on Pyramid Bench, an area located west of the Jasper townsite that is currently closed, according to Parks Canada.
From Parks:
A test burn is used to understand potential fire behaviour and is similar in size to the debris piles that were burned as part of FireSmart and tree removal projects this winter.
With cool and wet weather forecasted for the rest of the week, we have potential for a short window of good conditions to burn safely. Showers will bring the fire danger rating back down to low.
Using prescribed fire in this location would further reduce fire hazard west of town and help to regenerate an area that was mechanically thinned this winter.
Smoke in the area
There is potential for a small amount of smoke. There is no need to call 911 or other emergency services to report smoke in this area.
People with respiratory ailments are encouraged to contact their local health professional for advice specific to their condition if they have questions.
Alberta Health Services has a great fact sheet on smoke and health: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/wf/eph/wf-eh-wildfire-smoke-and-your-health.pdf
Also!
Pyramid Bench trails rehabilitation
Trail rehabilitation of Pyramid Bench is underway. Please respect the closure, which remains in place until the area is safe to open. Violators can be charged, and these violations slow down the work.
- Volunteers with the Jasper Trails Alliance are clearing debris from affected trails. Information about their work here: https://www.facebook.com/Jaspertrailsalliance
- Trail crew is working on the more heavily affected trails and Canfor has heavy equipment to rehabilitate access roads.
- Unpredictable factors like weather, snow melt, and soil moisture determine how quickly trails and roads can be worked on and when.
- Access to the trails will be opened in a phased approach once Parks Canada, Canfor, and volunteers have completed their work.
- Any updates to access on Pyramid Bench will be communicated in an Info Bulletin and on the trail report.
