Alberta opens registration portal for Jasper residents to tour wildfire damaged townsite
CBC
The Alberta government opened up registrations on Friday for Jasper residents who want to see what's left of their destroyed or damaged homes.
Mike Ellis, Alberta's minister of public safety and emergency services, said people will get more information once they register. He said the tours are limited to people whose homes were damaged and destroyed, and participating residents will not be allowed to get off the bus.
There is still no date for when these tours will start. Ellis said this will be determined by the incident commander.
"Right now, the tours must occur under very controlled circumstances with limited numbers," he said.
He said the wildfire is still active, plus the properties are full of hazardous materials and debris. Ellis said organizers want to make sure the residents have immediate access to mental health supports.
"We are deeply sympathetic to the frustration some people may be feeling at being asked to to wait for more details, but please know that this is a priority for us and we're working to get everything ready as soon as possible in the best and safest way possible," Ellis said.
The Jasper Wildfire Complex increased by 7,500 hectares, Parks Canada said Thursday as temperatures in the area started to heat up.
Parks Canada estimated the size of the fire at 39,000 hectares on Thursday, then revised the size to 32,500 on Friday. Temperatures in Jasper are forecast to hit a high of 34 C on Friday.
In a Facebook post Thursday night, Parks Canada said the growth of the fire occurred mostly on the south perimeter. The agency said the fire is expected to grow on Friday due to continued hot and and dry weather conditions.
The fire is still classified as out of control.
James Eastham, incident information officer with Parks Canada, said Thursday was the first hot and dry day in a while. He said vegetation has lost the moisture it gained due to rain earlier this week.
"It will be hotter and drier than it was yesterday," Eastham said about Friday's forecast. "We do anticipate to see some fire growth in areas, especially ... where we're not actively suppressing the fire."
Alberta Wildfire used its night vision-equipped helicopter overnight to bucket the fire overnight. Eastham said it helps them keep watch on the fire overnight.
Eastham said firefighters are focusing on hot spots on the Pyramid Bench north of the townsite and the wastewater treatment plant.
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