Jasper National Park fire slowed by rain

Rainshowers on Friday evening and overnight Saturday have provided some much-needed help for firefighters in Jasper National Park.

"Probably the biggest piece of news today: yay, it rained," said Kim Weir, fire communications officer for the park.

Weir said between four and six millimetres of rain has fallen since Friday afternoon. That, combined with a bit more precipitation in the forecast, means that firefighters will be able to fight the fire "directly".

"It is now safe to have crews on the ground and having helicopters bucketing in water," Weir said Saturday afternoon.

"This is a huge shift for us. This is fantastic."

The fire, burning near Excelsior Creek in the Maligne Valley, started because of a lightning strike. It prompted evacuations in the area earlier this week: around 1000 people were removed from the campgrounds and backcountry trails in the area, Weir said. Park officials are confident that no park visitors remain in the affected area.

As of Saturday, the Maligne Valley remained closed, front-country campgrounds and day-use area in other parts of the party remain open. None of the park's facilities are in danger from the fire.

"The park is ready and open for visitors, just mind the smoke," she said.

One of the first tasks for firefighters on the ground will be build a perimeter around the blaze and begin fighting "priority areas." Weir said that thick smoke has so far made it impossible to fully map out the fire, although she estimated that it was about 5,000 hectares in size.

A more accurate estimate is expected later Saturday.

Weir said the danger to wildlife in the park is minimal. She described the park as in a "fire-prone" area and said animals are adept at escaping wildfires.

"Wildlife has lived with fires for thousands of years  … wildlife knows what to do," she said.

"Obviously, sometimes there is going to be a bit mortality, but very low."

There is currently a ban on open campfires in Jasper and other parks along the mountain range. Weir said that portable propane and natural gas BBQs are still allowed for visitors.

As for when the popular Maligne Valley will be reopened to hikers, Weir said the area will remain closed off until park officials are certain the fire is under control and access out of the valley will not be cut off by flames.

"That depends largely on Mother Nature and how much help we get from her.'