JASPER – An out-of-control fire ravaged the community of Jasper overnight Wednesday (July 24), burning down homes, businesses and hotels, but firefighters are not in a position to say the extent of the damage at this point.
In a news release from Parks Canada at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, the agency said no one has been injured in the disaster and all residents, visitors and first responders made it out safely.
Due to the ongoing explosive fire conditions, efforts continue to fight the blaze and Parks Canada says it is “impossible to share information about specific locations and the extent of damage at this time.”
“As you can understand, the accuracy of this information is critical because it has a direct impact on members of the community. We will share more information as soon as we are able to ensure its accuracy,” the federal agency stated.
“While we understand people are desperate to know about the status of our community, homes, workplaces, businesses, and cherished places, we will need some time to stabilize this incident as we access and assess structures.”
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland penned a heartfelt message to his community earlier this morning.
"I write to you today with profound sorrow as we begin to come to terms with the devastating impact of last night’s wildfire that has ravaged our beloved community,” he said.
“The destruction and loss that many of you are facing and feeling is beyond description and comprehension; my deepest sympathies go out to each of you.”
Parks Canada officials say Jasper National Park received a small amount of rain overnight, but it was not enough to help fan the flames and the fire continues to burn out-of-control.
They said significant structural firefighting reinforcements were brought in throughout the night and have continued to help with daunting firefighting efforts in the community overnight and this morning.
“Parks Canada, the Municipality of Jasper, and our partners from Alberta and across Canada are continuing to respond to this emergency,” said Parks Canada.
“In Unified Command, Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper continue to manage this crisis from the Town of Hinton.”
More than 25,000 people fled Jasper overnight on Monday and into Tuesday, with two fires approaching the national park townsite from both the south and the north.
The fast-moving fires blocked off evacuation routes along Highway 93 North towards Lake Louise and Highway 16 to Hinton, leaving only one heavily-clogged road out along Highway 16 west into British Columbia.
Parks Canada says the emergency evolved rapidly from the first report of a wildfire starting to the northeast of the Jasper townsite on Monday evening just after 7 p.m., to a second more explosive fire south of town shortly after.
“Within 48 hours, the wildfires reached town,” they said.
Ireland sent sincere thanks to Parks Canada and other partners along with municipal fire agencies who sent firefighters, fire personnel and equipment to help protect Jasper and the surrounding national park.
"We also wish to acknowledge and thank all the communities who have received everyone who has been displaced by this fire,” he said.
Ireland said the No. 1 priority continues to be safety and well-being.
“The Incident Management Team together with responders on the ground, continue to work valiantly to protect our town – our home – and to coordinate supports for evacuees in other communities,” he said.
“I want to assure you that your mayor and councillors are committed to supporting our community through this truly unprecedented challenge and beyond,” he added.
“We will work closely with all levels of government, other organizations, and volunteers to coordinate relief efforts and provide essential resources and information.
“Your resilience and strength have always been the backbone of our community. In the coming days and weeks, we will rally together, support one another, and begin the daunting process of recovery.”
The following are a list of resources provided by the Municipality of Jasper:
- 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵
- 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: It's normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or sad. Some physical symptoms might include headaches, stomach aches, or muscle tension.
- 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽: If you experience severe emotional reactions, such as excessive guilt, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for professional help.
- 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗻𝗲𝘀
- Eat Well and Stay Hydrated: Good nutrition and hydration are crucial for maintaining your energy, focus, and overall health.
- Stay Active: Gentle physical activities, like walking or stretching, can help relieve stress and improve your mood.
- Get Enough Rest: Ensure you and your family get adequate sleep to better manage stress and emotions.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing exercises can calm your nervous system and help you think more clearly.
Support for Children and Teens
- Limit Media Exposure: Protect children from repeated exposure to distressing news. When they do see or hear about the disaster, discuss it calmly and reassure them.
- Model Positive Coping: Children learn from your reactions.
𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗽𝗲:
- Encourage Open Communication: Let children express their feelings and ask questions. Answer honestly at a level they can understand.
- Maintain Routines: Keeping regular meal and sleep times can provide a sense of normalcy and security.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:
- Psychologists’ Association of Alberta: 3 free sessions with a volunteer psychologist. 1-888-424-0297 | [email protected]
- Mental Health Help Line (24/7): 1-877-303-2642
- Addiction Help Line: 1-866-332-2322
- First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
- Crisis Text Line Text: “CONNECT” to 741741
- Alberta 211: 211 Alberta is a 24/7 crisis line and single point of contact for digital supports and services near you – no matter where you are in the province. Call or text 'INFO' to 211 or visit ab.211.ca.
- Text4hope: Text HOPEAB to 393939 to subscribe.
- Health Link: 811
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 – www.KidsHelpPhone.ca.
