A wildfire in the Chetamon Mountain area has caused power outages to the nearby town of Jasper, AB since it flared last week, but officials now warn that residents should be prepared for “extended” outages as the fire continues to grow.
The wildfire was caused by a lightning strike last Thursday. It grew to over 1,500 hectares on Sunday but has since swelled to a size between 5,000 and 7,000 hectares as of Monday, CTV News reported.
Classified as an out-of-control wildfire, the blaze managed to damage transmission lines in Jasper National Park, creating a lasting power outage to the nearby city of Jasper, a community known for its proximity to outdoor attractions.
CTV News said that the town has been making the transition to generator power to keep critical infrastructure – such as the hospital, traffic lights, water wells, and the wastewater treatment facility – continuing to operate. Utility provider ATCO had confirmed that power was restored to those facilities by 5:20 pm. However, the plan to restore power to the rest of the community may take some time.
“Residents and visitors should be prepared for an extended outage," said Jasper mayor Richard Ireland in a news conference.
"The wildfire still poses no risk to the Jasper townsite, although at this time, we cannot offer our visitors the full services they would typically expect at this uncertain time," the mayor added. "In the face of uncertainty, be prepared. I don't know how long extended might be, and we don't know yet all of the capacity issues."
Late last month, experts had warned that dry and hot conditions in Alberta are raising the risk of wildfires in the province – and could even end up pushing Alberta’s wildfire season past October 31, when it normally ends.
"As long as this hot, dry weather continues, fire is going to be a problem. And if we get some wind events, fire could be a real problem,” warned Thompson Rivers University wildland fire professor and Canadian Forest Service senior research scientist Mike Flannigan.
