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Evacuation support information

Welcome to our Evacuation and Local Emergency FAQ page. Since we have been evacuated, it's important to have up-to-date information and resources. Here, you'll find the answers you need on what to do during and after an evacuation, how to stay informed, and tips for staying safe. Our goal is to support you through this challenging time. Stay informed and stay safe.

 

Updated July 28 at 8:30 p.m.

FIRE STATUS

When was the evacuation issued for the Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park?

The Town of Jasper was evacuated due to a wildfire on Monday July 22, 2024 at 10 p.m. The evacuation order remains in effect.

Who is working to fight the fire in Jasper?

There are multiple agencies working together including the Town of Jasper’s fire department, Parks Canada, Alberta and Ontario Wildfire teams along with support from other agencies.

Has there been any damages and if so, what are they?

Despite the extensive efforts, the Town of Jasper has sustained infrastructure damage and loss, approximately 30% of the town. Early assessment of the damage indicates it is mostly to the southwest end. All critical infrastructure is intact including the hospital, schools, water treatment, activity centres, museum, library, emergency services building, post office, and legion. View the damaged structures map.

How big is the Jasper Wildfire?

The Jasper Wildfire is the largest in park history with it covering approximately 32,000 hectares of land. 

Can you tell me the status of my home/property? How can I find out whether it’s been damaged?

We understand the tremendous difficulty evacuated Albertans face in not knowing whether their homes and property have been affected by the wildfires. A map outlining the preliminary assessment of structures in the town of Jasper is located on jasper-alberta.ca/p/damagemap.

Who has access to private property?

Access to the town is not allowed as it is deemed unsafe with many hazards. No one is allowed to enter any private properties or touch any items.

What is being done about security for the community and at checkpoints?

The RCMP is ensuring the security of the area. Access to the town is limited to incident staff and critical contractors who are responding to the active emergency. Patrols are ensuring that no unauthorized access to the community is occurring. Any unauthorized people found in the community will be subject to arrest. Travel into and out of Jasper National Park remains restricted.

When can I return home?

The town is still an active emergency zone and response teams are continuing to do their work. It will take some time to ensure the community is clear from disaster before any re-entry plans can occur. Structures that have been impacted by fire remain an extreme hazard area. The site is currently not stable, nor safe for entry as there are many hazards.

Continue checking with your local municipality/First Nation on re-entry plans. They will provide information on their websites and social media.

EVACUEE SUPPORT

Interim Needs and Financial Support

These supports are for basic interim needs for evacuees. Evacuees with insurance must call their insurance company as soon as possible. Most homeowner and tenant insurance plans cover living expenses during an evacuation. Make sure to keep your receipts.

If you require lodging

Reception centres are open in the following locations for lodging and help. 

Even if you do not require lodging, you should register with the province at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca.

Other supports available

  • Evacuees whose needs are not met at an evacuation/reception centre can request emergency financial assistance to cover food, transportation, medication or optical needs. Note: Temporary foreign workers are not eligible for emergency support benefits under the Income Support program.
  • Apply for emergency financial assistance by visiting an Alberta Supports Centre or calling them at 1-866-644-5135 (open 24/7). 
  • The AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) program provides emergency benefits to assist people with costs for essential needs like accommodation, food, medical costs, clothing, and transportation. If you receive AISH and you need additional support, please call your AISH worker, or 310-4455. 

Financial Assistance

Emergency evacuation payments are available to residents of communities that are under a mandatory evacuation order for seven or more days.

Eligible evacuees will receive $1,250 per adult and an additional $500 per dependent child under 18 and can apply online at evacuationpayment.alberta.ca. Individuals who are unable to apply online can call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 for support. For more information on how to apply go to alberta.ca/emergency.

If you do not have access to create an Alberta.ca Account, you may go in-person to an Alberta Supports Centre office for help. For help finding a location near you or how to apply, call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992. 

If you cannot work because of the wildfires, apply for Employment Insurance with Service Canada. You can apply online at canada.ca/ei. For any questions or help, or if you cannot apply online, please call 1-877-631-2657.

The Red Cross can help as well. You can register online on redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/alberta-wildfires-2024.

If you self-evacuated, you are responsible for covering your own costs related to food and accommodations, etc. 

Mental health supports

Alberta Health Services has resources and services available to help you and your loved ones with health care needs in this stressful and difficult time.

If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed or need to talk, resources are available:

  • AHS Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642, Health Link at 811, or visit ahs.ca/wildfire.
  • Call 211 or text INFO to 211 or visit ab.211.ca to access digital supports or find local services near you.
  • Counselling Alberta at 1-833-827-4230 or visit counsellingalberta.com for virtual counselling services.
  • Indigenous Support Line at 1-844-944-4744 is open noon to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday.
  • The First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline is available at 1-855-242-3310.
  • Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text the word “connect” to 686868.

 Addiction supports are also available:

  • AHS Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322 or Health Link at 811.
  • Virtual Opioid Dependency Program at 1-844-383-7688 for same-day treatment.

Prescriptions and medical needs

If you are in a reception centre and require prescriptions or need to see a doctor, please reach out to staff and they will assist you.

Provincial identification documents

Alberta wildfire evacuees can visit the registry agent of their choice to replace their lost identification. Registry agent locations are available online at alberta.ca/lookup/find-a-registry-agent.aspx.

  • For driver’s licences and ID cards, registry agents will validate the applicant’s identity by looking up their image and their signature to ensure they match what is on file.
  • Birth certificates can be replaced by applying in person at a registry agent office if an applicant has other ID. If your birth certificate is missing, the applicant will need to bring someone who can vouch for their identity and has known them for more than one year.

Pets

If anyone left pets in Jasper, please fill out the Pet Rescue Form.

If pets were found, the Bylaw Officer will take them to Hinton SPCA. You can call or text 780-852-5518.

Mail

The town’s post office is intact, all mail that is there is still there. New mail will probably be held at the sorting facility. At this time we don’t know when access to mail will occur. 

If you have important documents that come to you by mail, reach out to Canada Post online or by calling 1-888-550-6333. 

Insurance

Albertans with questions about their insurance coverage should contact their insurance representative. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has updated information about insurance during wildfires.

Albertans can visit the IBC webpage for information on property and auto insurance or call the IBC’s Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422) or email IBC’s regional office at AskIBCWest@ibc.ca (Western and Pacific regions).

EMPLOYMENT

What if I have been evacuated from the town where my job is, but not my home?

Employees who are unable to work due to an evacuation order are encouraged to file an employment insurance claim with Service Canada, which has a stream established to expedite claims of this nature. Please call 310-4455 to determine if there are other supports available to you.

What about temporary foreign workers/seasonal workers; are they eligible for emergency evacuation payments? 

Temporary foreign workers, as well as seasonal workers, are both eligible for emergency evacuation payments if they have been displaced from their homes for a minimum of 7 days. Some conditions do apply and Alberta Supports staff will likely follow up with questions.

How can I recover income lost as a result of having been evacuated?

Employees who are unable to work due to an evacuation order are encouraged to file an employment insurance claim with Service Canada, which has a stream established to expedite claims of this nature.

Albertans in need of emergency financial assistance may contact the Income Support Emergency Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135 or visit alberta.ca/emergency-financial-assistance.

DONATIONS

How can I donate to reception centres and evacuees?

The Town of Jasper has an endorsed and trusted charity that has supported our community for over 20 years. Offers of clothing and other hard goods will not be accepted, only monetary donations. To donate please visit jaspercommunityteamsociety.ca/ 

The reception centres are unable to accept offers of clothing and other hard goods.

Albertans can also donate money to Canadian Red Cross in support of wildfire evacuees.

The government is also accepting offers for equipment and services that can directly support emergency management efforts through EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca.

TOURISTS

Are tourists who were forced to leave an area due to an emergency evacuation order eligible for emergency evacuation payments?

Tourists and visitors forced to evacuate an area are not eligible for an emergency evacuation payment. Emergency evacuation payments are intended to help cover the additional costs of being away from home. 

Those with upcoming reservations to campgrounds and hotels contact the place where you made the booking to cancel. 

Can I come camp in Jasper this summer?

All of Jasper National Park is closed to residents, visitors and staff not working in relation to the wildfires, until further notice. For your safety and the safety of personnel working on the wildfires, please respect the area closure and stay out. 

Visitors in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks, who had plans to stay or travel through Jasper National Park must make alternative plans. Visitors inquiring about the ongoing fires in Jasper National Park can go to the Parks Canada website. 

STAYING INFORMED

The Town of Jaspers’ website and Facebook page are your best places for information. Parks Canada Jasper page is another great place as we work together to manage this emergency.