A devastating pair of wildfires have ravaged Jasper, Alberta, in Canada destroying nearly half of the town and forcing the evacuation of thousands. Currently it looks like it is going to take a very long time to recover and do damage control in Jasper; one of Canada’s most treasured national parks.
Significant Rebuild Needed
With her voice filled with emotions as she spoke of the unparalleled beauty of Jasper National Park and the extensive damage the fire has done to the community, Danielle Smith who is the Premier of Alberta, spoke about the tragic situation in a news conference on Thursday:
We don’t know particularly which structures have been damaged and which ones have been destroyed, but that is going to be a significant rebuild,” she stated.
Pierre Martel, Director of Fire Management for Parks Canada also provided an update on the wildfire’s progress. Highlighting the ongoing danger it poses to the park, he described the blaze as:
Aggressive and fast-moving.
Mass Evacuation
As the wildfires grew more intense on Monday evening, the urgency to evacuate became critical. Approximately 20,000 tourists and 5,000 residents of Jasper were forced to flee, primarily heading west to British Columbia for safety.
On Wednesday night, firefighters were forced to leave Jasper due to toxic smoke from burning buildings. Parks Canada, responsible for managing the firefight, relocated its command post. Reinforcements from neighboring communities have since joined the battle against the flames, which were fueled by a recent heatwave.
Impact on Tourism and Transportation
Jasper National Park, along with Banff National Park, attracts approximately 2.5 million visitors each year, making it a premier tourist destination. The fires have severely disrupted local tourism and transportation. Mayor Richard Ireland described the disaster as “almost beyond comprehension.”
Canadian National Railway, after a brief resumption, halted its services through Jasper, a critical link between the Pacific Coast and the rest of Canada and the United States. Via Rail Canada also suspended its trains in the area. Canadian National dispatched two firefighting trains to combat the blaze.
Jasper’s history is intertwined with the railway and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a historic resort. The town’s economy relies heavily on tourism and railway services. Fairmont reported that the fire had reached its grounds but couldn’t confirm the extent of the damage.
Personal Stories of Resilience
Residents like Mike Day faced heartbreaking losses. After ensuring his family evacuated safely, Mr. Day learned that his home had been reduced to its foundation. Despite taking several fire-prevention measures, he acknowledged their powerlessness against nature’s fury. Fortunately, his restaurant, Evil Dave’s Grill, appears to have escaped damage.
Volunteers from nearby Hinton helped rescue about 80 horses from Jasper Park, coordinated by Shauna Cruden. The swift evacuation, with a fire smoldering in the background, was described as “absolutely heartbreaking.”
A Challenging Wildfire Season
While the fires in Jasper are severe, Canada’s wildfire season has been less destructive than last year. In 2023, wildfires burned about 43 million acres across Canada. This year, approximately 5.8 million acres have burned so far, compared to 29 million acres by this time last year.
Pierre Martel noted that flames from the Jasper fire have reached over 300 feet, emphasizing the limited tools available to combat such a monstrous blaze. The focus remains on protecting communities and infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
The resilience of Jasper’s residents, combined with support from neighboring communities, will be crucial in the rebuilding efforts. As the community navigates this challenging period, updates on recovery efforts and the ongoing firefight will continue to emerge.
