Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Parks Canada is carrying out fireguard burning near Henry House as early as Nov. 10 in preparation for a larger prescribed fire next spring.
Smoke may be visible in the area just northeast of the townsite.
鈥淓stablishing these fireguards is the first step in completing the Henry House prescribed fire in the spring, as part of an ongoing program to restore healthy forests and grasslands, and ensure public safety through fire management,鈥� Parks Canada stated in a news release.
鈥淧arks Canada takes wildfire preparedness, including risk reduction activities, very seriously; the safety of our crews and the public is always our top priority.鈥�
The operations will be conducted near Henry House, across from the Jasper grass airstrip, about 13 kilometres northeast of the townsite.
Although smoke may be visible, Parks Canada says there is no need to call 911 or other emergency services to report this.
Crews and equipment may also be visible along Highway 16 and Snaring Road.
Those with respiratory ailments, if concerned about the smoke, are encouraged to contact local health professionals for advice specific to their condition.
Traffic delays are possible along Highway 16 and Snaring Road, with the chance of limited visibility at times.
The planned prescribed fire in Henry House will occur next spring for a 330-hectare area in the Athabasca Valley, bounded by Snaring Road and Highway 16.
Henry House has been previously burned to restore open montane grassland.
