Peter Shokeir | editor@fitzhugh
Parks Canada will carry out small-scale fireguard burning as early as April 15 in preparation for a larger prescribed fire near Henry House later this year.
The operations will occur near Henry House, across from the Jasper airstrip, approximately 13 kilometres northeast of the townsite.
Residents and visitors may observe smoke in the air just east of town.
As such, Parks Canada says there is no need to call 911 or other emergency services to report smoke in this area.
"Establishing these fireguards is the first step in completing the Henry House prescribed fire in the fall, as part of an ongoing program to restore healthy forests and grasslands, and ensure public safety through fire management," Parks Canada stated in a release.
"Parks Canada takes wildfire preparedness, including risk reduction activities, very seriously; the safety of our crews and the public is always our top priority. Extensive COVID-19 protocols and mitigations are in place to ensure staff safety during fire operations."
Crews and equipment may be visible along Highway 16 and Snaring Road.
Traffic delays are possible along Highway 16 and Snaring Road, with the chance of limited visibility at times.
Those with respiratory ailments are encouraged to contact local health professionals for advice should they have concerns.
Henry House was previously burned to restore open montane grassland.
The planned prescribed fire for the fall at Henry House is for an area 330 hectares in size in the Athabasca Valley, bounded by Snaring Road and Highway 16.
