Jasper’s critical infrastructure safe despite damage to up to half of townsite

Parks Canada says crews in the town of Jasper are still fighting flames that are jumping from building to building, but add that critical infrastructure has so far been protected.

In a late Thursday afternoon update, officials say the hospital, the emergency services building, schools, the activity centre and wastewater treatment plant are still standing.

They said firefighters were able to take advantage of wet weather throughout the day to take a bite out of the fire, but say the situation remains “dynamic and dangerous.”

“The most significant structural damage is concentrated on the west side of town, southwest of Miette Avenue,” reads the update from Parks Canada. “Firefighting efforts have prevented significant damage to much of the infrastructure in the east end of town.”

One of the most iconic spots in the mountain town, the Jasper Park Lodge, confirmed the main hotel has survived despite taking damage from the flames.

“While we will need time to asses the full scale of the damage, we are deeply relieved that much of the property was spared and the resort will reopen in the future,” reads a statement posted to social media.

Alberta premier Danielle Smith said earlier in the day that up to half of the structures in Jasper, including homes and businesses, have been destroyed by the raging wildfire. 

In an emotional update, Smith tried to hold back tears as she spoke of her memories of Jasper and the loss, fear, and loneliness residents of the town must be feeling.

Smith said the blaze, which reached the townsite Wednesday, is estimated to have damaged between 30 and 50 per cent of structures in Jasper.

“If you’ve seen the images as I have, we don’t know particularly which structures have been damaged and which ones have been destroyed,” Smith said. “But that’s going to be a significant rebuild.”

Smith adds while photos and videos are being posted to social media on the destruction and loss caused by the wildfire, the province hasn’t been able to confirm the losses.

Officials with Parks Canada couldn’t confirm what the premier said about up to half of the town being razed, but Jasper’s mayor Richard Ireland says the damage is devastating.

“The destruction and loss that so many of our residents are facing, it defies description,” he says. “It’s almost beyond comprehension.”

Officials says a map of the townsite showing damaged areas that has been circulating online is not official, as it was hastily drawn to identify areas in town where fire crews would focus their efforts.

The premier said the province is doing all it can to help those impacted by the Jasper wildfire.

She says the Emergency Management Cabinet Committee has been meeting daily for the last several days, and will continue to do.

Smith has also been in contact with Federal Minister of Public Safety, Dominic Leblanc, Ireland, and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Harjit Sajjan, as well as the Alberta Management Agency.

Flames 100 metres high

Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis was also on hand during Thursday’s provincial update and confirmed that the flames hit 100 metres in some areas Wednesday night as the fire was accelerated by a significant gust of wind.

“That fire was about five kilometres out [and] there was an enormous wind gust,” he said. “That wind gust moved the fire five kilometers in probably less than 30 minutes, with a wall of fire that was about 100 meters high.

“I think people need to picture what those wildfire folks were experiencing at that time. Any firefighter will tell you, there’s little to nothing you can do when you have a wall of flames coming in like that.”

Ellis also confirmed that Edmonton, Calgary, and Grand Prairie are accommodating evacuees, noting mental health supports are also available.

Some acute care patients have, however, have been taken to Edson and Hinton, with two patients being taken to Prince George.

Firefighter support

Firefighters from across 34 municipalities, Lakeland College and industrial firefighters from across the province have been called in to help battle structure fires in Jasper, according to Minister Ellis.

In total, nearly 1,900 Alberta firefighters, contractors and support staff are working to battle wildfires in the province.

In addition to this, Alberta Wildfire says crews from Australia landed over the weekend, and at least 400 additional firefighters from overseas are expected in the coming days — 100 from Mexico later Thursday, 200 from South Africa are expected to arrive on Friday, and an additional 100 from Australia and New Zealand are expected Sunday and Monday.

“These resources will be sent around the province to areas where they will be most effective in the wildfire response,” said Christie Tucker, the information unit manager with Alberta Wildfire. “Alberta Wildfire has been active supporting Parks Canada in their response to wildfires.”

Tucker adds the province has supplied water, trucks, heavy equipment, helicopters, and unit crews to Parks Canada officials, and offered air tanker and night vision equipped helicopters.

The ‘magic of Jasper’ will not be lost

Disheartening images and videos are flooding social media, showing charred and smoking structures, hazy skies, and ash falling from the sky.

Despite the apparent devastation, the premier says the community’s charm endures.

“To those in Alberta and around the world who have experienced the magic of Jasper, the magic is not lost and it never will be,” Smith said. “Alberta’s government will provide the support needed to families and communities to recover and to rebuild stronger than every so future generations can continue to experience this one-of-a-kind-community.”

She also expressed deep thanks to the men and women in Jasper fighting the blaze, regardless of whether they’ve been there for days or just arrived overnight.

“There really are not enough words to express our thanks and our wishes for your safety and your success,” Smith said. “Once again, you put yourselves on the front lines in a show of true heroism.

Other Alberta wildfires

Alberta Wildfire officials also provided an update Thursday on existing wildfires impacting the province.

Evacuation orders are still in effect for John D’Or Prairie, Fox Lake, Garden River and Chippewan Lake.

Evacuation orders have been lifted for the hamlet of Janvier due to recent rainfall, which has helped crews get the fire under control.

It is estimated that over 17,500 people have been displaced from wildfires. It’s also believed roughly 25,000 people were in Jasper National Park at the time of the evacuation order earlier this week, with the majority of those being visitors.

The province says those who are part of the mandatory evacuation order can register online, and receive some temporary funding from the province after being displaced from their home for seven days.