Wildfire devastates Jasper National Park, forces mass evacuations, Canada

A destructive wildfire continues to engulf parts of Jasper National Park and the adjacent town of Jasper in Alberta, Canada, leading to extensive evacuations and significant structural damage. As of this morning, the fire, which started due to lightning, has destroyed an estimated 30 – 50 % of buildings in the area.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith provided an emotional update yesterday, describing the situation as the worst nightmare for the community.

“This is devastating for our residents and the many who cherish Jasper National Park,” Smith said, noting the park’s significance as a major tourist destination and a source of pride for many generations​​.

The latest map shows the estimated perimeter of what Parks Canada originally named the North and South Wildfires. Because the perimeters of the two wildfires have merged, they are now referring to the wildfires in Jasper National Park as the Jasper Wildfire Complex.

Accurately mapping the affected area has been challenging due to strong winds, extreme fire behavior, smoke, and the relocation of incident management personnel to Hinton on the evening of July 24, Parks Canada officials said.

This area is now estimated at 36 000 ha (88 958 acres).

Wildfire update – July 25, 2024
Temperatures cooled and rain started shortly after midnight last night. The 10-15 mm of rainfall in the national park has led to minimal fire behaviour and spread today. This precipitation will likely keep fire behaviour low for the next 72 hours. pic.twitter.com/vUtTQ5alNc

— Jasper National Park, Parks Canada (@JasperNP) July 26, 2024

It’s a devastating sight this morning in #jasper friends – a crew from Ponoka County Fire is there supporting the efforts. #jasperwildfire – Keeping my thoughts there for all the crews and families affected by this situation. This video was sent in to me. pic.twitter.com/co6ZhflBy3

— Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye (@jeffphotodude) July 25, 2024

The wildfire, driven by high winds and dry conditions, prompted immediate evacuation orders on Monday, July 22. Approximately 25 000 people, including residents and tourists, have fled the area.

The emergency alert initially stated that the fire was expected to reach the community in about five hours, or around 03:00 LT on Tuesday, but it was later updated to clarify that everyone needed to be out by then​.

Incident Command confirmed that all critical infrastructure in Jasper, including the hospital, emergency services building, elementary and junior/senior schools, activity center, and wastewater treatment plant, has been successfully protected. However, a detailed damage assessment is pending.

Preliminary reports indicate that some homes and businesses have been lost, with the most significant damage occurring on the west side of town, southwest of Miette Avenue. Firefighting efforts have so far prevented major damage to infrastructure in the east end of town, and the priority remains on protecting unaffected structures.

In addition to structural damage, several bridges around the town and throughout the national park have been impacted, including Moberly Bridge and Old Fort Point Bridge. Bridges on the Icefields Parkway also require assessment for potential structural damage. These damages are expected to delay access to Maligne Lake and Highway 93, with a full damage assessment still forthcoming.

The Canadian National Railway’s main line through Jasper has been shut down due to the advancing flames. This critical transportation route, which connects Vancouver and Prince Rupert to the rest of Canada, has seen significant disruptions. CN Railway has deployed its firefighting train, Trident, to protect the track infrastructure, and there have been no reports of track damage so far​​.

Efforts to contain the wildfire are ongoing, with around 400 firefighters from around the globe joining the battle. However, despite recent rainfall providing temporary relief, forecasted warm weather is expected to worsen fire conditions in the coming days​.

Authorities have warned that the battle against the fire could last for weeks, with a significant rebuild required once the flames are extinguished.

References:

¹ Jasper Wildfire Complex – wildfire status – Jasper National Park – July 25, 2024

² Devastating wildfire burns down part of western Canadian tourist town – Reuters – July 25, 2024

³ ‘The magic is not lost’: premier gives tearful update on Jasper fires – CHCH – July 26, 2024