With the flames expected to flare, crews make critical progress in fighting Jasper wildfire

Crews on the front lines of a wildfire that incinerated Jasper are working to ensure the community is not damaged by the flames twice.

The fire continues to burn out of control and remains a threat to the historic townsite in the heart of Jasper National Park.

Close to one-third of the townsite's structures are destroyed and early estimates suggest the wildfire could cost the insurance industry up to $700 million, making it one of the most expensive wildfire disasters in Canadian history. 

In a statement issued late Sunday, Parks Canada said firefighters are making progress in strengthening fire guards that will help slow the spread of the flames should the fire advance once again.

Cooler, wet weather over the weekend gave crews critical time to make progress, but increasingly volatile activity on the fire is expected by Thursday, officials said. 

With temperatures in the area this week expected to slowly rise, Parks Canada says it's vital to keep making progress now. 

"Another day of reduced fire behaviour allowed our 350 firefighters and personnel to make progress again today," the federal agency said in its statement on social media. 

"Weather forecasts indicate that dry conditions will make it easier for the wildfire to grow, making the progress now so important." 

President of Parks Canada Ron Hallman and Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault will provide an update on the wildfire situation in Jasper during a news conference Monday at 11 a.m. MT. Watch it live here. 

As cooler wet weather moved in over the weekend, crews were busy on several fronts. The Jasper Skytram Road was widened with bulldozers to create a wider control line on Whistlers Mountain to protect the community.

Meanwhile, a 12-inch high sprinkler line along the fire guard, which will protect Jasper from fire spread from the west or north, is nearly complete.      

Crews have been mopping up wildfires near buildings and infrastructure at risk. Ontario firefighters attacked the north line on the Palisades bluffs. Troops with the Canadian Armed Forces worked on mopping up spot fires near the northwest side of town, Parks Canada said.

More than 20,000 people were ordered to evacuate from the national park last Monday due to fast-moving wildfires that threatened from the north and south.

By Wednesday, flames moved in from the south, consuming 358 out of 1,113 structures in the townsite about 365 kilometres west of Edmonton.