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Chetamon wildfire near Jasper, Alberta (Photo: Sept.2, 2022 - Parks Canada)

Parks Canada warns smoke from Jasper wildfire could affect Alberta highway

Sep 10, 2022 | 8:22 PM

JASPER, AB – Parks Canada is warning that strong winds forecast for this weekend could blow smoke from a large wildfire across a major highway linking Alberta and British Columbia.

Chetamon wildfire near Jasper, Alberta reduces visibility on Alberta highway. (Photo: Sept.5, 2022 – Parks Canada)

Jasper National Park has already advised people not to visit due to power outages caused by the Chetamon Mountain blaze that have disrupted services within the park, including the Jasper townsite.

Powerline repairs in the fire zone near Jasper, Alberta. (Photo: Sept.9, 2022 – Parks Canada)

In an update on the fire Saturday, September 10, 2022, Parks Canada says increased smoke may reduce visibility on Highway 16.

It says Parks Canada and the RCMP are prepared to use traffic control on Highway 16 if needed, but a highway closure is the last resort.

Chetamon wildfire near Jasper, Alberta looms over nearby highway. (Photo: Sept.4, 2022 – Parks Canada)

The lightning-sparked blaze has burned on a steep and inaccessible mountain slope, approximately 20 kilometres north of the Jasper townsite, since September 1, 2022.

Officials say no communities are currently threatened.

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