Wildfire in Jasper National Park Could Burn for Months, Canadian Official Says
JASPER, Alberta (AP) — A devastating wildfire has swept through the town of Jasper, marking the largest blaze recorded in Jasper National Park in a century. Parks Canada officials have warned that this fire could continue to burn for months, with significant implications for the community and the surrounding environment.
Current Situation
Landon Shepherd, a deputy incident commander, addressed the media in Hinton, stating, “We’re going to be working on this wildfire, we expect, over the next three months at least.” This statement underscores the prolonged nature of the fire season in Jasper, which has been known to extend well into the fall, as evidenced by the last five years of fire activity.
Despite receiving approximately 1.2 centimeters (close to half an inch) of rain over a day and a half, active hot spots remain near the community, complicating firefighting efforts. The wildfire has already led to the evacuation of over 20,000 residents in and around Jasper, with 358 of the town's 1,113 structures reported destroyed.
Recovery Efforts
Parks Canada has indicated that fire suppression efforts are progressing well within the town. Power restoration is underway in parts of the downtown area and critical infrastructure, which is essential for assessing further damage and facilitating recovery efforts.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has proposed organizing bus tours for evacuated residents to view the damage firsthand, allowing them to prepare for their eventual return. However, Christine Nadon, the incident commander for the Municipality of Jasper, cautioned that conditions are not yet safe for such tours due to hazardous chemicals released from burned structures and ongoing fire activity.
Timeline for Return
Premier Smith mentioned that it could take approximately 28 days before residents are allowed to return to Jasper, drawing parallels to the recovery timeline following the devastating Fort McMurray fire in 2016. As of Saturday, an estimated 17,100 Albertans remain evacuated due to wildfires, with 157 active fires reported across the province. Of these, 44 are classified as out of control, while 45 are being held, and 68 are under control.
Broader Context
Evacuation orders are also in effect for three communities of the Little Red River Cree Nation and Chipewyan Lake. In a show of solidarity, support from Ontario, Quebec, Australia, and South Africa is expected to bolster firefighting efforts in Alberta.
Meanwhile, conditions in British Columbia are showing signs of improvement, with rain and cooler temperatures contributing to reduced fire behavior. The BC Wildfire Service reports about 385 fires burning across the province, with six classified as significant threats to people or property.
As the situation continues to evolve, officials remain vigilant, working tirelessly to manage the wildfire and support affected communities. The resilience of Jasper and its residents will be tested in the coming months as they navigate the challenges posed by this unprecedented wildfire.