• Gates will open at 7 AM. You'll receive a Re-Entry Guide, an ATCO gas placard, and a few other important documents. Please take the time to review this information, as it addresses many questions you may have.
• Re-Entry is for Jasper residents, business owners and those they need for support. Residents can show their Parks Canada-issued resident parking pass or self-declare.
• Starting tomorrow, the Municipality of Jasper will be under an Evacuation Alert. This means you must be prepared to evacuate within one hour if needed. While the Incident Command Team believes the risk to the townsite is low, there is still an active wildfire in Jasper National Park. Please be prepared.
• Traffic is expected to be heavy, so drive safely and follow the speed limits.
• You may experience long waits at the gate as residents return. Please be patient with each other and with the gate staff.
• Only authorized personnel, like insurance representatives, are allowed behind fencing around restricted properties. If you've lost your property, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Visit Team Rubicon at the Re-Entry Support Centre to discuss sifting through your property, but please do not enter fenced-off areas for your safety. You may notice that there is heavy equipment working on private property behind these fences. Crews are not sifting through or removing any debris on private property, they are only addressing immediate public safety hazards. 
• All areas outside the town and Highway 16 corridor remain closed.
• The Re-Entry Support Centre is available from 7 am to 7 pm (with agency representatives on-site from 10 am to 5 pm). If you need a cup of coffee, a friendly face, or any kind of support, we're here for you.
• For those at Reception Centres without transportation back to Jasper, we are working on a plan. We will have more details for you tomorrow. Please stay tuned, and thank you for your patience.

Re-entry on August 16 is for residents only

We understand that re-entry may be emotionally challenging, and many Jasper residents have asked if family members, friends, or support people can accompany you—or go in your place. The answer is yes. Whether you need someone to assist with cleaning, emotional support, or someone to represent you, we want you to feel fully supported during this process. Whoever you feel you need by your side or in your place at this time will be allowed entry. We're here to help as you begin to move forward and navigate the road ahead, and the supports you need can take that same road with you. 

Please follow the re-entry steps for residents beginning at 7:00 am on August 16, 2024: 

1. Residents and business owners coming from east of Jasper must stop at the East Gate to receive their Resident Re-entry Guide and then proceed to the east entrance of town.Residents coming from west of Jasper should travel past the West Gate and go directly to the east entrance of town to receive a Resident Re-entry Guide. 
   • Residents can show their Parks Canada-issued resident parking pass or self-declare. (photo of east gate with a caption)
   • Resident Re-entry Guides include a placard from ATCO Gas. Once you’ve arrived at your property, *you must place the placard visibly in a window or somewhere easily visible from the street to receive a gas relighting service.*
2. RCMP will be stationed at the east entrance ensuring everyone entering has a Resident Re-entry Guide. The only entrance to town will be the east entrance. To exit town, please drive out the west entrance. 
3. Non-residents will be directed to drive through the park on Highway 16 without stopping. Check Alberta 511 for road updates: https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts 
   • Anyone trying to enter town without a Resident Re-entry Guide will be stopped by RCMP and directed to return to Highway 16. It is important that residents have space to process their immense losses in the community.

Residents who live in Jasper but outside of the main townsite will receive instructions when it is safe for them to return at a later date.

What can residents expect once in town?

The state of Jasper is very different now. The process of returning may be intense.  There is disruption to the landscape and property in the townsite due to the emergency response to the fire. 

• There is significant damage and possibly triggering sights. Read about the mental health supports before your return. https://jasper-alberta.ca/p/mental-health-supports
• The photos you have seen will not prepare you for the smell. Depending on the wind direction, the smell of smoke in town can be overwhelming. Be prepared with N95 masks.
• Things from your balcony or porch may be on the lawn or sidewalk. First responders moved these things following the evacuation order to reduce combustibles next to homes.
• Be prepared to not yet have utilities at your residence. https://atco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/2da3dcc53c5e4aa8bd375a508ba0e3ca
• Highway 16 is open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Residents can come in and out of Jasper with their Resident Re-entry Guide during this time. If you need to leave Jasper after 9:00 pm you will be able to, however between 9:00 pm and 7:00 am you will not be able to re-enter Jasper.
• Wildlife continue to spend time in the town and people must keep a safe distance away. Follow all wildlife safety guidelines. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/securite-safety/faune-wildlife

Re-entry Guide and more information

The online re-entry guide has information about: 

• How to plan your return 
• Safety precautions and hazards in the town and park 
• How to return to your home safely 
  • Cleaning
  • Mould
  • Fridge and Freezer safety 
  • Food 
• Information on utilities
• How to dispose of your waste 
• Information about insurance 

The Question and Answers page is being updated daily with more answers to high priority questions, as they come up.