The town of Jasper, located in Jasper National Park in Alberta province, has been devastated by a wildfire that is the largest blaze recorded in the park in a century. According to Parks Canada official Landon Shepherd, the fire could continue burning for the next three months as the fire season tends to last well into the fall in the region. More than 20,000 people in and around Jasper were ordered to evacuate due to the fast-moving wildfires, and 358 structures in the town were destroyed.
Parks Canada reported progress in fire suppression efforts in the town, with power being restored to parts of the downtown core and critical infrastructure. However, conditions are still not safe for evacuated residents to return and assess the damage. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith suggested organizing bus tours for evacuated residents to see the damage for themselves, but incident commander Christine Nadon stated that it is currently unsafe due to chemicals released from burned structures and active hot spots near the town. Nadon herself lost her home to the fire.
Premier Smith, along with Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland and other officials, toured the evacuated town to assess the damage. Smith mentioned on a radio call-in show that it could be close to 28 days before residents are allowed to return, citing similar timelines from previous wildfire incidents. Provincial wildfire officials reported that 17,100 Albertans were evacuated due to wildfires, with 157 fires burning across Alberta. Evacuation orders remained in effect for three communities of Little Red River Cree Nation as well as Chipewyan Lake.
Additional support from Ontario, Quebec, Australia, and South Africa is expected to arrive to assist with firefighting efforts in Alberta. Meanwhile, officials in British Columbia reported an improvement in the fire risk due to rain and cooler temperatures in the province. The BC Wildfire Service stated that fire behavior has reduced on some major fires, and cool and showery conditions are expected in the western half of the province. There are currently about 385 fires burning across British Columbia, including six considered “of note” for posing a threat to people or property.
The situation in Jasper highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities dealing with devastating wildfires and the importance of coordinated efforts between different regions to combat these natural disasters. With the support of multiple provinces and international partners, efforts are being made to control the wildfires and ensure the safety of residents. The long-lasting impact of wildfires on communities and the environment underscores the need for effective prevention and response strategies to mitigate future disasters and protect vulnerable areas from the devastating effects of wildfires.
