Lightning strike ignites wildfire in Jasper National Park

A lightning strike ignited a wildfire on Chetamon Mountain in Jasper National Park (Source: Parks Canada).

Parks Canada fire crews are responding to a wildfire on Chetamon Mountain in Jasper National Park.

Katie Ellsworth, plan section chief for the wildfire response, told CTV News Edmonton that the fire was first discovered around 1:30 a.m. Thursday after a thunderstorm.

Located around 22 kilometres north of the Jasper townsite, the high elevation fire, west of Snaring Road, poses no risk to the town.

On Thursday, the fire was reported to be between two and three hectares in size. As of Friday afternoon, the wildfire had swelled to more than 20 hectares in size. Parks Canada says the growth was into a confined subalpine basin.

"We do anticipate some growth, just due to the slope and the wind conditions," Ellsworth said. "At this point, there are no risks or threats to the community of Jasper or to the visitors in the national park or the residents and communities outside of Jasper."

Ellsworth said there were no significant air quality considerations due to the fire.

Three helicopters and 28 people are responding to the blaze, with Parks Canada officials saying further resources are available should the fire move into the valley bottom.

No evacuation orders were in place as of publication, but Ellsworth said the parks authority was "proactively closing" all facilities along Snaring and Celestine Lake roads, starting Friday at noon.

According to Parks Canada, sprinklers were deployed at the Moberly homestead to protect structures.

The Snaring Overflow Campground is closed to visitors this weekend as crews battling the fire stage from the site.

"This is being done with an abundance of caution," Ellsworth said. "We are asking visitors planning to travel these areas to give consideration and start making alternate plans."

In Jasper National Park, fires are only permitted within designated metal or campfire pits. With the long weekend approaching and dry weather conditions expected, Ellsworth reminded park visitors to practise fire safety.

"That way, we can minimize the potential for any other wildfires while our fire crews are engaged in working in fire operations to suppress the Chetamon fire," she said.