Jasper firefighters find destruction and salvation for Maligne Lake infrastructure

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Firefighters battling the Jasper-area wildfire have finally reached the Maligne Lake region, finding a mixture of destroyed and spared structures.

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In an update on the Jasper National Park website Saturday afternoon, Parks Canada said fire crews continue to pursue hotspots, which are being identified during overnight drone flights that use infrared scanning. The update also provided information regarding the Maligne Lake region, which had been inaccessible for nearly 20 days due to fire activity.

“Of the many structures found in the Maligne Canyon area, some of the more prominent ones destroyed by the fire include the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen, and all structures at the Maligne Wilderness Hostel,” said Parks Canada.

The Maligne Lake Boat House didn’t burn along with structures in the Maligne Lake area. The Parks Canada post included links to a photo album of damaged infrastructure, which it continues to update.

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“We are sad to share that HI Maligne was destroyed by wildfires in Jasper National Park. We look forward to the day when we can welcome you back again,” read a post on HI Canada’s website.

The hostel agency also lost its HI Jasper facility to the fire, while wilderness hostel HI Athabasca Falls, 30 km south of Jasper, was heavily damaged.

Jasper residents have been told to expect a major update Monday that will outline when they might be allowed to return home, and what the re-entry criteria will be.

Parks Canada said Saturday the wildfire remains classified as out of control, burning roughly 33,000 hectares, but that the northern fire perimeter near the townsite is “significantly contained.” Crews marked a “sizable win” on Saturday when it was announced that 80 per cent of the northwest fire perimeter was contained.

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Crews started a “tactical ignition” near the base of the SkyTram, which Parks Canada said is meant to control naturally-occurring burn fuels, such as downed trees, brush, and branches.

Parks Canada also said patrols are extinguishing hot spots in the Palisades area with support from helicopter bucketing, and continue to search for hotspots “south of the transfer station between the highway and railway, and along Marmot Road.”

Although Highway 16 is reopened, Parks Canada warned that times of openings and access may be subject to intermittent closures depending on the fire behaviour and firefighting needs. Motorists are not permitted to stop in the park.

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