An out-of-control wildfire began ravaging Jasper, Alberta, on Wednesday evening, threatening one of Canada’s most iconic municipalities, nestled in the heart of the national park that bears its name.
Two fires, fueled by strong winds, are sweeping through the city from the north and south.
Katie Ellsworth of Parks Canada said the southern fire reached the outskirts of town just before 6 p.m. local time, or 8 p.m. Eastern time. That fire alone had already burned more than 10,000 hectares before it reached Jasper. The other one, burning to the north, covers about 270 hectares.
“At approximately 6:40 p.m., the fire reached the town of Jasper. Parks Canada, the Municipality of Jasper, as well as first responders from Alberta and other provinces continue their efforts to protect the town,” the federal agency wrote. “Firefighters remain on scene battling the numerous fires that are damaging structures and working to protect critical infrastructure.”
We have received Alberta’s request for federal assistance and are mobilizing all available resources.
Thank you to everyone fighting the wildfires or helping people evacuate Jasper.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 25, 2024
The Municipality of Jasper said Wednesday that first responders themselves had to be relocated to the Municipality of Hinton, 100 km east of Jasper, due to “the intensity and behaviour of the fire” and in order to “limit the number of people exposed to risk.” At 8 p.m., Parks Canada also ordered the evacuation of all firefighters without self-contained breathing apparatus due to the rapidly deteriorating air quality in Jasper.
I am heartbroken to see reports that the wildfire has entered the townsite of Jasper.
The safety of everyone is our number one priority, and thankfully the town was evacuated earlier this week.
I want to thank all of our firefighters and crews who have been hard at work… pic.twitter.com/S5tcIapc9n
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) July 25, 2024
Images on social media showed the Maligne Lodge hotel, located on the southwest edge of the village, completely engulfed in flames. Faced with a dramatic fire season that has seen Alberta grapple with 175 active wildfires, Alberta requested military assistance Wednesday.
Already on Monday, the advance of the flames, accelerated by the dry weather, the winds and the forest surrounding the village, had forced the evacuation of around 10,000 residents and 15,000 tourists.