Jasper Wildfire 2024

Jasper Wildfire Complex Update: Current as of 10 pm

Wildfire update - July 25, 2024

Temperatures cooled and rain started shortly after midnight last night. The 10-15 mm of rainfall in the national park has led to minimal fire behaviour and spread today. This precipitation will likely keep fire behaviour low for the next 72 hours.

Crews will take advantage of this time to make as much progress as possible to suppress the wildfire and reduce further spread. While rain in Jasper is a welcome sight, warm weather is forecasted and will increase wildfire activity. Currently the Jasper Wildfire Complex poses no threat to neighbouring communities.

Estimated fire size map

Accurately mapping the Jasper Wildfire Complex has been challenging for many reasons including strong winds, extreme fire behaviour, smoke and relocating the incident management personnel to Hinton on the evening of July 24. Aircraft have not been able to fly safely and today satellite imaging was obscured by thick cloud cover.

The map included in this update shows the estimated perimeter of what we originally named the North and South Wildfires. This map is a best available estimate based on satellite imaging and what crews have been able to see from the ground. Future maps will change when we can map the perimeter from the air. Because the perimeter of the two wildfires have met, we are now referring to wildfires in Jasper National Park as the Jasper Wildfire Complex.

This area is now estimated at 36,000 hectares.

The levels of fire activity within the mapped perimeters can vary widely. In the event that the fire perimeters overlay areas where property or infrastructure is present, the perimeters do not indicate what level of damage (if any) may have occurred. This information should only be used for reference purposes.

Jasper Wildfire Complex

A complex refers to more than one wildfire. The Jasper Wildfire Complex now includes the combined North and South wildfires and the Utopia wildfire near Miette Hot Springs that started on July 19. The Utopia Wildfire was almost being held before the other wildfires started and will be reassessed on Friday, July 26.

The Unified Incident Command Post is fully operating in Hinton. We wish to express gratitude to the Town of Hinton and their residents for all of their support. Unified Command means that responsibility for the response is shared among multiple agencies. Managing this emergency under Unified Command creates a safer and more effective environment to work in. All agencies know where resources are and what they are being used for. They can use all available resources and work in tandem rather than working around each other.

This will be the last update for tonight, July 25. We will provide further updates and information tomorrow.

Jasper Complex Wildfire Update: Current as of 4:38 pm

Structural damage update

We know that people are seeing images from Jasper and are anxious for more information about the extent of impacts to the town.

Structural fire protection units are still fighting fires within the town and continue to fight fires moving from one building to another. We appreciate your patience as we work to make conditions in the town safe enough for a detailed assessment to be completed.

Incident Command is able to confirm that all critical infrastructure in Jasper was successfully protected including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.

Although more time is needed to complete a detailed damage assessment, it is clear that some homes and businesses have been lost.

The most significant structural damage is concentrated on the west side of town, southwest of Miette Avenue. Firefighting efforts have prevented significant damage to much of the infrastructure in the east end of town. Our priority remains protecting structures that have not yet been impacted by fire.

The fire also damaged a number of bridges around the town and throughout the national park, including the Moberly Bridge and the Old Fort Point Bridge. Bridges on the Icefields Parkway will need to be assessed for structural damage as well. These impacts will slow down access to the Maligne Lake and Highway 93 and it will take time for a full damage assessment to take place in these areas.

Wildfire update

Yesterday, driven by winds with gusts upwards of 100 kilometers an hour, the north and south fire both spread towards the town of Jasper and have merged together. At this time we do not have an updated size.

With today’s rain and cooler temperatures, fire activity is significantly subdued. However, it is important to note that the fire is still out of control and significant work remains before conditions are safe enough to allow for limited re-entry into the park.

Crews are taking advantage of today’s conditions to make progress on containing the fire and the community, before conditions return to hot and dry.

Disaster response

The Incident Management Team is growing and working in Unified Command with the Municipality of Jasper, now supported by Canada Task Force 2 (CAN-TF2). This is an All Hazards Disaster Response Team with diverse capabilities to support impacted communities across Canada responding to large-scale events, emergencies and disasters.

Canada Task Force 2 is assisting the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada to coordinate the response to the wildfire, its impacts to the community, and support our eventual recovery.

We know that the uncertainty makes this crisis even harder to bear. We will continue to provide information as soon as we are able to ensure that this information is accurate and not subject to change given the still dynamic situation.

July 25, 2024

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿:

Dear Jasperites,
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. 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.

Our first priority continues to be your 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.

I want to assure you that your Mayor and Councillors are committed to supporting our community through this truly unprecedented challenge and beyond. 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.

Please continue to be patient and take care of yourselves and your loved ones.
This experience is tremendously traumatic for each of us and for the community. I encourage you to reach out to your neighbours, colleagues and friends: share your grief; share your pain; stay connected.

Offer a helping hand, a listening ear, a supportive word where you can, and know that we are all in this together.

With unwavering support and resolve,

Mayor Ireland
_______________________
Jasper, it’s hard to know where to start, but here are some resources compiled by our team:

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
1. Eat Well and Stay Hydrated: Good nutrition and hydration are crucial for maintaining your energy, focus, and overall health.
2. Stay Active: Gentle physical activities, like walking or stretching, can help relieve stress and improve your mood.
3. Get Enough Rest: Ensure you and your family get adequate sleep to better manage stress and emotions.
4. 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 | paa@paa-ab.ca
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.caDue to significant fire activity and forecasted strong winds, first responders will start to be relocated to Hinton. Firefighting personnel, aircraft and a small number of Incident Command staff will remain in the town of Jasper and continue efforts to protect the town.

UPDATE:
The safety of the public and responders is our top priority.

One of the last tactics for protecting the community are landscape-level ignition operations where fire specialists bring the fire to large holding features, including Highway 16 and the Athabasca River.

If you have not yet evacuated town you must leave now. This is for your own safety and to allow these critical operations to protect the town of Jasper to continue unimpeded.

This decision has not been made lightly. First responders dedicate their lives to the protection of people and communities. Given the intensity of fire behaviour being observed the decision has been made to limit the number of responders exposed to this risk.

Our hearts go out to all of the affected community members, their families and their friends, many of which include our local first responders.

Thank you.

Signed,
Parks Canada, Incident Commander Katie Ellsworth
Municipality of Jasper, Incident Commander Christine Nadon

UPDATE: 3:15 PM, Wednesday, July 24, 2024

The Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park have been evacuated due to active wildfires. This has been a very stressful time for residents and visitors to the town. We commend everyone’s cooperation towards a successful initial evacuation. We are grateful to the responders fighting the fire and to the generosity of neighbouring communities.

We know many people affected by the evacuation are wondering about next steps.

Evacuee Registration:

Once you have evacuated, it’s important to register as an evacuee.
• Use this link if you have a MyAlberta Digital ID: https://emergencyregistration.alberta.ca/
• You can also register as an Evacuee in-person at a Reception Centre.
Where to go:
If you have friends or family you can stay with, please make arrangements.
Camping (while space allows):
• The County of Wetaskiwin has offered free camping at the Buck Lake campground for evacuees displaced by the Jasper and Jasper National Park evacuation.
• The Town of Hinton has offered that evacuees can camp for free in the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre Field, by the baseball diamonds/Splash pad and library.

Evacuee Reception Centres:
• Edmonton: 12814 58th St. Building B, Edmonton, A.B.
• Grande Prairie: Bonnets Energy Centre, 10017 99 Ave, Grande Prairie, A.B.
• Calgary: Shouldice Athletic Park, 1515 Home Road NW, Calgary, A.B.

Next Steps:
• Insurance: Residents and business owners are advised to call their insurer right away to begin a claim. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has a Consumer Information Centre to help people navigate their insurance policy during an evacuation and aftermath of an emergency.
Toll Free: 1-844-227-5422
Email: AskIBCWest@ibc.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm MST
• Service Canada’s Outreach Support Centre (OSC): Can share information about programs and services offered by Service Canada.
Phone: 1-877-631-2657
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Employment Insurance (EI): Residents can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) as soon as possible, even without a Record of Employment (ROE). You can reach out to the Outreach Support Centre create an interim ROE.
Clients must provide a mailing address to apply for EI. If clients have been temporarily displaced to a hotel, shelter or are staying with friends or family due to the evacuation they can use their temporary address to apply for EI and then update the address later.
• Canada Post: Sign up for direct deposit, update your address if necessary. For more information about mail delivery, clients can visit Canada Post website or call 1-888-550-6333.

Re-entry:
People have been asking if they can go back to Jasper to get things they had to leave behind in the evacuation. It is not safe to return to Jasper at this time. Our top priority is keeping everyone safe. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

Wildfire:
Parks Canada’s main focus is protecting the town and community of Jasper. They're working to stop the wildfires from spreading towards town, Highway 16, and important buildings. Stay updated by following @jaspernationalpark on Facebook for the latest wildfire news. We will also share updates from Parks Canada as they become available.

Helpful Links:
Road closures: Alberta 511 https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts

________________________________________

UPDATE: 1:05 PM (MST) July 24, 2024

For evacuees that are currently in Valemount, BC, who require transportation, one bus will depart from Valemount to Edmonton via Jasper. Today at 1pm PST.

July 24th – 1:00pm PST departure
Departure Point: 101 Gorse St., Valemount
Drop Off Point: Edmonton Reception Centre at 12814 58th St. Building B, Edmonton

This will be the last scheduled bus travelling from Valemount.

UPDATE: 2:15 PM, Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Please note the below bus transportation options for evacuees:

Evacuees in Valemount, BC:
4 x buses will depart from Valemount to transport up to 45 passengers per bus to Calgary.

July 23rd – 1:00pm PST departure. Valemount to Calgary
Departure: 2 buses at 1245 1st Ave, Valemount and 2 buses at 101 Gorse St.
Drop Off: Shouldice Arena Reception Centre, Calgary
On this route, there will be a stop in Kamloops at a reception centre.

Evacuees in Prince George, BC:
3 x buses will depart from Prince George to transport up to 45 passengers per bus to Grande Prairie.

July 23rd - 4:00pm PST departure. Prince George to Grande Prairie – one bus
July 24th – 10:00am PST departure. Prince George to Grande Prairie – two buses
Departure: 4248 18th Ave, Prince George.
Drop Off: Bonnets Energy Centre 10017 99 Ave, Grande Prairie. T8W 5E7

Evacuees still in Jasper, AB:
1 x bus will depart from Jasper transporting up to 45 passengers to Edmonton.

July 23rd – 4:00pm MST departure. Jasper to Edmonton – one bus
Departure: Jasper Activity Centre, 303 Bonhomme St.
Drop Off: 12814 58th St. Building B Edmonton Reception Centre

UPDATE: 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 23, 2024

For individuals who have evacuated to Valemount from assembly points and the Activity Centre in Jasper, please go to New Life Centre at 1245 1st Ave or the Community Hall at 101 Gorse Street in Valemount. Buses will provide transportation to the reception centre in Calgary at Shouldice Arena.

Resources for Evacuees:

Insurance: The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has a Consumer Information Centre to help people navigate their insurance policy during an evacuation and aftermath of a wildfire.

The centre is staffed by insurance professionals who can answer questions about insurance policies, coverage and the claims process.

Most fire insurance policies provide coverage for living expenses due to a government-ordered evacuation.
Residents and business owners are advised to call their insurer right away to begin a claim.
Often insurers can transfer funds to evacuees almost immediately.
Toll Free: 1-844-227-5422

Email: AskIBCWest@ibc.ca

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm MST

Website: Frequently Asked Questions and other insurance information for businesses and consumers whom have been evacuated due to wildfires.

Service Canada:

Service Canada’s Outreach Support Centre (OSC) can share information about programs and services offered by Service Canada. The OSC is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone: 1-877-631-2657

Employment Insurance (EI): Residents can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) as soon as possible, even without a Record of Employment (ROE). You can reach out to the Outreach Support Centre create an interim ROE.
Clients must provide a mailing address to apply for EI. If clients have been temporarily displaced to a hotel, shelter or are staying with friends or family due to the evacuation they can use their temporary address to apply for EI and then update the address later.
Canada Post

Sign up for direct deposit
Update your address if necessary.
For more information about mail delivery, clients can visit Canada Post website or call 1-888-550-6333.

For media inquiries, contact pc.media@pc.gc.ca.

UPDATE: 4:35 AM, Tuesday, July 23, 2024

The Town of Valemount has limited services and cannot accommodate more evacuees at the community hall.

If you are on the road, please drive carefully and stop and get some rest as needed.

This is an evolving emergency situation. Please be patient and be safe. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

UPDATE: 2:30 AM, Tuesday, July 23, 2024

The evacuation is progressing. Thank you for your patience. Please continue to follow directives from officials.

The majority of traffic is being directed west on Highway 16.

Only when roadside fire conditions permit, small groups of escorted vehicles will be directed east on Highway 16.

Assembly points at Maligne Lodge and Forest Park Hotel are closed.

Please go to the Activity Centre at 303 Bonhomme Street if you need assistance.

There is a reception centre in Valemount at the community hall located at 101 Gorse Street.

Limited overnight lodging will be available.

Evacuees can proceed to two communities with designated reception centres for supports, however are encouraged to stop at safe rest stops along the way.

Grande Prairie: Take Highway 16 West to Prince George, then proceed North via Highway 97, then south on Highway 2 and back East to Grande Prairie via Highway 43.

Calgary: Take Highway 5 South to Kamloops, then proceed East to Calgary via Highway 1.

More information on designated rest points will be updated as they become available.

UPDATE: 1:55 AM, Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Evacuees can proceed to two communities with designated reception centres for supports, however are encouraged to stop at safe rest stops along the way.

Grande Prairie: Take Highway 16 West to Prince George, then proceed North via Highway 97, then south on Highway 2 and back East to Grande Prairie via Highway 43

Calgary: Take Highway 5 South to Kamloops, then proceed East to Calgary via Highway 1

More information on designated rest points will be updated as they become available.

UPDATE: 12:15 AM, Tuesday, July 23, 2024

The Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada are working together on:

• Clearing up traffic gridlocks

• Ensuring fuel is available along the way

• Evacuating vulnerable populations in a safe manner

• Getting additional resources including firefighting equipment and busses

Traffic should be flowing better on Highway 16 west. Thank you for your patience. Please drive safe.

If you need to take a break, the Town of Valemount has opened a reception centre at their community hall located at 101 Gorse Street. Limited overnight lodging will be available.

We are working with the Government of Alberta to establish a reception centre in a large city. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

If you can find a campground or hotel to spend the night, or family or friends where you can spend the night, please do so.

UPDATE: 11:23 PM, Monday, July 22, 2024

*CORRECTION: The fire is NOT expected to reach the community in 5 hours. The town should be evacuated in 5 hours. Evacuation to take place between 10 PM (July 22, 2024) and 3 AM (July 23, 2024).

This is an Alberta Emergency Alert. The Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park have issued a Wildfire alert.

There is a wildfire south of town. An Evacuation Order has been issued for the Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park.

This alert is in effect for everyone located in Jasper and Jasper National Park.

Action to take:

- Everyone in Jasper and Jasper National Park must evacuate now

- The town should be evacuated in 5 hours. Evacuation to take place between 10 PM (July 22, 2024) and 3 AM (July 23, 2024)

- Please drive safe

- Use Highway 16 towards British Columbia

- Follow directions from local authorities

- Bring identification, important documents, medication, pets and your emergency kit with you

- Check the Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park's Facebook page and website for more information

- If you need a ride, go to the Activity Centre, Forest Park Hotel or Maligne Lodge

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Jasper Wildfire 2024