An ongoing wildfire is leaving a path of destruction across the town and nearby national park of Jasper, Alta.
As of July 25, officials are estimating significant damage to the historic townsite.
“You’ve seen the images as I have,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in a news conference. “We’re seeing potentially 30 to 50 per cent structural damage to give you some idea.
“We don’t know which structures have been damaged and which ones have been destroyed, but that it is going to be a significant rebuild.”
Parks Canada confirmed that all critical infrastructure in the town was saved from the fires, including the hospital, emergency services building, schools, activity centre, and wastewater plant.
“Although more time is needed to complete a detailed damage assessment, it is clear that some homes and businesses have been lost,” Parks Canada said in a statement. The most significant structural damage is on the west side of town, southwest of Miette Avenue. The agency says that “it is clear that some homes and businesses have been lost.”
Jasper National Park received 10 to 15 mm of rainfall and cooler temperatures on July 25, leading to “minimal fire behaviour.” Parks Canada says it is hopeful that this weather will keep fires low for the next 72 hours.
Jasper, located about four hours west of Edmonton, is a small townsite near the Alberta-B.C. border. Located in Jasper National Park, the area is a popular destination for backcountry campers and hikers due to its extensive trail network.
On the evening of July 22, two wildfires were reported northeast and south of town. Approximately 25,000 residents, visitors, and responders were ordered to evacuate the town and national park due to two encroaching fires.
Within 48 hours, the wildfires reached town, according to Parks Canada. Only structural firefighters equipped with proper respiratory equipment remain to battle the blazes. The north and south fires merged together on July 25, according to Parks Canada.
Some images from local residents and government agencies circulating around social media are revealing glimpses of the destruction from the fires.
Karyn Decore, owner of Jasper’s Maligne Lodge, shared on social media that the iconic hotel was destroyed by the fires. The lodge had been in her family since 1961.
“Sadly we lost our beloved hotel, the Maligne Lodge,” said Decore on Instagram. “We are so devastated, and we are also so sad for all the other business owners, operators, residents, and wonderful people who call Jasper home.”
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge also announced that their hotel incurred some damage from the fires, but most of the lodge’s structures—including the main lodge—remain “standing and intact.”
On July 24, Minister of Emergency Preparedness Harjit Sajjan posted on X that the federal government would be sending in the army to help support emergency response efforts.
A July 25 statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that the army will be providing evacuation support, wildfire support, and the coordination of firefighting and airlift assistance.
As the situation continues to evolve, Canadians across the country are stepping up to provide support to first responders as well as Jasperites, who are still not permitted to return to the townsite. Local organizations, such as the Salvation Army, are serving meals and drinks to members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Here’s how you can support residents affected by the wildfires:
For more updates on the ongoing situation, visit Parks Canada and Alberta Wildfire.
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