Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
A wildfire caused by lightning nearly two weeks ago has now been extinguished, according to a Sept. 8 report from Parks Canada.
The Corral Creek wildfire was located south of Athabasca Island, along the Athabasca River, approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Jasper townsite.
In a Sept. 1 update from Parks Canada, the fire was estimated to be three hectares in size.
The next day, two Parks Canada fire crews and a helicopter were reported working on the Corral Creek wildfire.
Parks Canada said the objective had been to hold the wildfire at its current location next to the Athabasca River.
Smoke and helicopter bucketing operations were visible from Highway 16.
On Sept. 3, Parks Canada stated that the fire was considered being held at three hectares.
鈥淧arks Canada fire crews made good progress yesterday despite battling strong winds,鈥� the agency noted in the update.
鈥淐onditions are favourable on Sunday [Sept. 3] for the crews to continue reinforcing the perimeter and extinguishing hot spots. With current weather conditions and resources, this wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.鈥�
The wildfire was considered under control at three hectares on Sept. 6 and finally reported extinguished on Sept. 8.
The current fire danger is rated as 鈥渓ow鈥� as Jasper enters the fall, and although temperatures have been warm during the day, there have been frequent rains and cool nighttime temperatures.
People are asked to report any wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Dispatch at 780-852-6155 or call 911.
