Wildfire status

The priority for the 154 firefighters in Jasper is to put out any hot spots in the outskirts of Jasper and in the trees directly surrounding the town of Jasper and all structures. Cooler conditions are reducing fire behaviour as showers tapered off overnight. Winds are anticipated to reach up to 30 km/h and may increase fire activity.

Assessments of infrastructure damages is ongoing. The damage within the townsite is estimated at around 30%. Out of a total of 1113 structures within the town, 358 have been destroyed. 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. We are grateful to our wildfire teams efforts to contain the fire and minimize the damage.

Estimated fire size map

This map is a best available estimate based on satellite imaging and what crews have been able to see from the ground. This area is estimated to cover 36,000 hectares.

The outline shown in the map represents an estimate of the furthest area burned, not what is currently burning. It is important to note that this is an estimate and will change. Within the estimated perimeter there will be areas completely burned, partially burned and areas which did not burn at all.

Future maps will be refined when we can map the perimeter from the air.

Update for residents

Residents and businesses of the town of Jasper, we understand that this is an incredibly difficult and challenging time but our priorities remain addressing the active fire and assessing structural damage in the community. We are happy to report all critical infrastructure has been saved. We appreciate how hard it is to wait for confirmation about your homes.

Our crews continue to fight the fire and we remain focused on making it safe for the people of Jasper to come home. The area remains closed for public safety, evacuation order is still in effect.

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.

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 deal with fire 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.

Another update will be provided today, July 25 before 10 pm.

A photo of a map of the Jasper townsite is circulating online. This map is not an official incident map.

It was a hastily drawn operational map used by structural protection to identify areas to focus their response efforts. It does not represent damage to specific properties or the extent of damage to any individual area or property.

As noted in our 10:30 am update, the accuracy of this information is critical because it directly impacts community members. We will share more information as soon as we can ensure its accuracy.

Jasper Complex Wildfire Update: Current as of 10:30 am

We know that Jasperites, Canadians and people who love Jasper from around the world are looking for updates and information on the status of the places they live, visit and care deeply about.

This emergency evolved rapidly from the first report of a wildfire start to the northeast of the town of Jasper on the evening of Monday, July 22 just after 7:00 pm, to a second fire south of town shortly after. Within 48 hours, the wildfires reached town.

Most importantly, there have been no reported injuries as the result of the Jasper Complex Wildfire. Approximately 25,000 people were safely evacuated from the town of Jasper and Jasper National Park. All residents, visitors and responders are safe.

Jasper National Park received a small amount of rain overnight. While the rain helped reduce fire activity slightly, it is not enough to have made a meaningful impact to the overall wildfire situation, which remains out of control.

Parks Canada, the Municipality of Jasper, and our partners from Alberta and across Canada are continuing to respond to this emergency. In Unified Command, Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper continue to manage this crisis from the Town of Hinton.

Significant structural firefighting reinforcements arrived throughout the night and have continued to assist with firefighting efforts in the community overnight and this morning. We are thankful to all of our partners and municipal fire agencies who have sent resources to help protect our community and national park. We also wish to acknowledge and thank all the communities who have received everyone who has been displaced by this fire.

Due to the ongoing fire conditions and our focus on the response effort, 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.

While we understand people are desperate to know about the status of our community, homes, work places, businesses, and cherished places we will need some time to stabilize this incident as we access and assess structures. We appreciate your patience and the community of people who have come together to support the people of Jasper and Parks Canada family.

Today has been an exceptionally difficult day for Jasperites, incident personnel, and everyone who loves Jasper.

Structural firefighters continue to work to save as many structures as possible and to protect critical infrastructure. Many more structural firefighters are en route to provide assistance.

As the pictures and videos circulating online show, significant loss has occurred within the townsite. We are sensitive that residents, business owners, visitors, and those with connections to Jasper want to know the state of their homes, businesses, treasures and favourite places.

Our focus continues to be on saving as many structures as possible. Unfortunately, we can't report on the extent of damage to specific locations or neighbourhoods at this time.

We are grateful for the support, encouragement, care and kind words we have received from all over the country and world.

This will be the last update for tonight, July 24. We will provide further updates and information tomorrow.

As of 8:30 pm this evening, it was determined that air quality had deteriorated to the point that wildland firefighters and others without self contained breathing apparatuses needed to evacuate to Hinton.

Structural firefighters remain in town and are working to save as many structures as possible and to protect critical infrastructure, including the wastewater treatment plant, communications facilities, the Trans Mountain Pipeline and others.

Many additional structural protection resources are en route.

Our hearts go out to all of the affected community members, their families and their friends, many of which include our local first responders. Further updates and more information will be provided as soon as conditions allow for it.

Around 6:40 pm this evening, wildfire reached the Jasper townsite.

Parks Canada, the Municipality of Jasper, as well as responders from Alberta and other provinces are continuing with efforts to protect the town.

Firefighters remain in town combating multiple structural fires and are working to protect critical infrastructure.

At just before 6 pm this evening, portions of the South Fire in Jasper National Park reached the outskirts of the Jasper townsite after being driven by strong winds gusts from the south and southeast.

Parks Canada, the Municipality of Jasper, as well as responders from Alberta and other provinces are continuing with efforts to protect the town.

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

Firefighters remain in town and are combating spot fires and maintaining sprinkler lines.

10-20 mm of rain is forecasted to arrive in the next 24 hours, beginning later tonight. If the area receives rain it will help to reduce fire activity.

Further updates will be provided as conditions allow for.

This afternoon, suppression efforts by helicopter bucketing proved ineffective. Fireguards being completed by heavy equipment were not able to be completed before the heavy equipment needed to be pulled off the fireline for safety. Water bombers from Alberta were unable to assist due to dangerous flying conditions.

An ignition specialist also arrived, with the goal to complete landscape-level ignition in order to bring the fire to large holding features such as Highway 16 and Athabasca River. Unfortunately, unfavourable conditions prevented this.

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.

Our hearts go out to all of the affected community members, their families and their friends, many of which include our local first responders. Further updates and more information will be provided as soon as conditions allow for it.

Thank you.

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

Due 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.

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

Wildfire Update

The town of Jasper and Jasper National Park have been evacuated due to two active wildfires. The evacuation of the townsite and frontcountry is complete. Evacuations in the backcountry are ongoing and complete in high priority areas.

Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper are responding to this incident as a Unified Command. Our highest priorities are to protect the town of Jasper and limit wildfire growth towards the town, Highway 16, and critical infrastructure.

Current fire status

North Wildfire

Estimated at 270 hectares and approximately 5 kilometers from the town of Jasper.

This wildfire is located between the Transfer Station and the Jasper Air Strip on both sides of Highway 16.

South Wildfire

Estimated at 10,800 hectares and approximately 8 km from the town of Jasper.

The south end of the wildfire is near Kerkeslin campground. It follows the Icefields Parkway (93N) north to near Horseshoe Lake. The wildfire crosses 93N, a few kilometers south of Wabasso campground. The northeast extent of the fire is 2.5 km south of Valley of the Five Lakes.

Overnight behaviour and outlook

Winds have been consistently high and gusty, there was significant fire activity and spread overnight. Similar windy conditions are expected today and further growth is anticipated.

A low pressure system is forecast to bring periods of rain late Wednesday night, ending late Thursday evening or Friday morning.

While rain will help reduce fire growth and allow crews to make progress, it will not control the wildfire and create conditions to allow for the immediate return of residents and visitors to Jasper.

Resources

Jasper National Park and the Municipality of Jasper have mobilized all available resources, with federal, provincial, and municipal agencies all dedicated to supporting firefighting and protecting the town of Jasper and Jasper National Park.

There are approximately 260 personnel dedicated to this incident.

These people include specialists from municipal fire departments, wildland firefighters, incident management personnel, fire behaviour analysts, structural protection specialists, geographic information system specialists and other support personnel. Today firefighting efforts are supported by aircraft including 9 helicopters, heavy equipment and fire engines and structural protection units.

Structure protection

All critical infrastructure is protected.

Today, a 12” high volume sprinkler system is being set up from Compound to west entrance from Miette River to protect the town of Jasper. Sprinkler lines are also being installed from Patricia Place around Stone Mountain and to Cabin Creek and along Pyramid Bench.

Fire crews are working in town to remove flammables and combustibles away from properties. Fire crews and engines are patrolling town and ready to respond to any hot spots if required

Backcountry evacuation update

All high priority backcountry trails and campgrounds have been swept for campers and hikers, this includes the Fryatt Valley, Skyline Trail, Tonquin Valley, Maligne Lake, Maligne Pass and Whirlpool. 245 people have been evacuated or contacted to confirm they no longer remain in the park.

All SOS and family inquiries about hikers and campers have been investigated and been evacuated or located.

Today, Parks Canada will be removing people from lower risk areas of the park, including the Brazeau, North and South Boundary trails. Parks Canada staff are contacting all backcountry reservation holders to ensure that no one is left in the park.

Fire impacts on infrastructure

There have been no impacts to the town of Jasper.

There have been some impacts to structures and infrastructure on the Icefields Parkway and along Highway 16. The exact details of these losses has not yet been confirmed as conditions have not permitted accurate assessment.

Parks Canada will share further information on structure losses once an assessment has been conducted. Individuals and businesses who have been impacted will be contacted directly by Parks Canada.

Re-entry

At this time both fires currently pose a threat to the town of Jasper and all efforts are focused on containing further spread and protecting the community.

We cannot provide any timeline for re-entry. We will communicate about re-entry as soon as we are able to.

As all personnel are currently engaged in firefighting efforts, we cannot accommodate escorting people back into the park to retrieve belongings. We will communicate a timeline in the coming days for when visitors can expect to return to collect anything they may have left behind. This process will likely be staged, beginning with unaffected areas of the park.

Information for evacuees

• If you’ve evacuated safely, register as an evacuee. If you have an Alberta Digital ID, use this link: https://emergencyregistration.alberta.ca/
• If you do not have a My Alberta Digital ID, you can register in-person at a Reception Centre in Grande Prairie, Calgary or Edmonton.

Evacuees that were transported to Valemount and Prince George will be transported to reception centres in Alberta. People in Prince George will be bussed to Grande Prairie today. People in Valemount will be bussed to Edmonton.

Reception centres

• Bonnetts Energy Centre, 10017 99 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0R7
• Shouldice Arena, 1515 Home Rd. NW, Calgary, AB T3B 5K9
• Kennedale Site Building #2, 12814 58 Street, Edmonton, AB T5W 3X4

Wildfire Update

The Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park have been evacuated due to active wildfires. The evacuation of the townsite is complete, and the evacuation of hikers in the backcountry is ongoing.

Our priority is to protect the town and community of Jasper, limiting wildfire growth towards the town, Highway 16, and critical infrastructure. Jasper National Park and the Town of Jasper have mobilized all available resources, with federal, provincial, and municipal agencies all dedicated to supporting firefighting and protecting the town.

Resources

Structural protection crews and specialists are installing structure protection sprinklers and hose lines throughout the community. Another high-volume system is being established at the southwest perimeter of the town. We continue to import additional firefighting resources.

Firefighting efforts include aerial suppression with multiple aircraft and airtankers and plans to establish control lines using heavy equipment and dozers. CN is assisting with their specialized train water tank along the rail line. We continue to monitor the wildfire from the air and with satellite imagery and have roving personnel on watch throughout the night.

North Wildfire

Located between the Transfer Station and the Jasper Air Strip on both sides of Highway 16.

South Wildfire

The south end of the wildfire is near Kerkeslin campground. It follows the Icefields Parkway (93N) north to near Horseshoe Lake. The wildfire crosses 93N, a few kilometers south of Wabasso campground. The northeast extent of the fire is near Wabasso Lake.

We will keep the public informed about wildfire activity and our firefighting response as more information becomes available. This is a dynamic and evolving situation.

Evacuation Order

We have been receiving inquiries from residents and visitors about returning to Jasper to collect personal items, documents, and assets. At this time, returning to Jasper is not possible. The Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park remain closed, and it is crucial to comply with the evacuation order. Our top priority is the safety of our staff, residents, and visitors. We appreciate your compliance with the evacuation order and understand the difficulty of being separated from your belongings. Thank you for your patience during this time.

• If you’ve evacuated safely, register as an evacuee. If you have an Alberta Digital ID, use this link: emergencyregistration.alberta.ca.
• If you do not have a My Alberta Digital ID, you can register in-person at a Reception Centre in Grande Prairie and Calgary.

The Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park have been evacuated due to active wildfires.

The Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park are closed and compliance with the evacuation order is critical.

The Town of Jasper and Parks Canada’s priority is the safety of our staff, residents and visitors. We acknowledge this is a stressful time and appreciate patience as this is an evolving and complex situation. We are doing our best to provide you with accurate and timely information. Please rely on official information sources from Municipality of Jasper, Parks Canada, and Alberta Emergency Alert.

Thank you to the thousands of residents and visitors who evacuated during the night last night. Your patience and efforts to get out safely made a measurable difference in the response.

Current situation

There are multiple wildfires in Jasper National Park.

Parks Canada had aircraft out assessing the wildfires at first light to get eyes on wildfire activity and behavior, identify impacted infrastructure and set firefighting objectives for the day.

Parks Canada has mobilized resources to arrive today and in coming days, including a Parks Canada Incident Management Team and additional firefighting resources and aircraft. Parks Canada and Alberta Wildfire are partners in wildfire response and Alberta Wildfire is supporting Jasper National Park. Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) arrived in Jasper early this morning to assist.

Our priority is to protect the town and community of Jasper, limiting wildfire growth towards town, Highway 16 and critical infrastructure. Critical structural protection is being managed by fire teams from across the region.

Evacuation

Evacuation of the Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park is ongoing. Evacuees need to travel west on Highway 16 to larger centers. Fuel is available at the Shell gas station.

The Town of Valemount has limited services and cannot accommodate more evacuees at this time. Evacuees should continue on Highway 16 through B.C. and select a route back to Alberta.

Anyone requiring a reception centre is directed to Shouldice Arena in Calgary or Bonnets Energy Centre, 10017 99 Ave, in Grande Prairie, AB, opening at 9:00 am on Tuesday, July 23.

RCMP have been out this morning going door-to-door ensuring all residents have evacuated. 35 RCMP officers are on site to ensure safety and assist with the evacuation process. All seniors' living facilities and the hospital have been evacuated to Hinton.

If you are still in Jasper and need help evacuating, please go to the Jasper Activity Centre at 303 Bonhomme St. If you need help getting to the Jasper Activity Centre, please call 780-852-6543.

Backcountry evacuations are in progress. If you have a way of contacting those in the backcountry, they should reach a trailhead and are directed to evacuate and check in with Parks Canada Dispatch at 780-852-6155 as soon as they have cell service.

Available evacuation routes and reception centres

West on HWY 16:

• The Town of Valemount has limited services and cannot accommodate more evacuees at this time.
• Evacuees travelling from the Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park should continue on Highway 16 through B.C. and select a route back to Alberta.
• Designated Reception Centres are opening in Grande Prairie and in Calgary.
• Grande Prairie Reception Centre: Bonnets Energy Centre, 10017 99 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB, opening at 9:00 am on Tuesday, July 23.

Calgary:

• Take highway 5 south to Kamloops, then proceed East on Highway 1 to Calgary. Calgary Reception Centre: Shouldice Arena 1515 Home Road, N.W.

Rest Stops

• Valemount: Short term parking available at the Canoe Valley Recreation Centre at 100 Elm Street.
• McBride: Robson Valley Community Centre at 441 Columbia Street.
• Prince George: Evacuees can stop and shelter in vehicles at CN Centre (2187 Ospika Blvd S.) before continuing to Grande Prairie.

Registration for Evacuees

• If you’ve evacuated safely, register as an evacuee. If you have an Alberta Digital ID, use this link: https://emergencyregistration.alberta.ca/
• If you do not have a My Alberta Digital ID, you can register in-person at a Reception Centre in Grande Prairie and Calgary.

Parks Canada is responding to multiple wildfire starts. This is an evolving and dynamic situation.

A preventative evacuation alert has been issued for the town of Jasper and Jasper National Park.

Be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Advance notice will be given prior to evacuation.

Highway closures:

• Highway 16 is closed at Highway 5.
  • No traffic is permitted east. Traffic is permitted west.
• Highway 16 is closed at Highway 40.
• Highway 93 is closed at Saskatchewan Crossing to all traffic.
  • Traffic south of Saskatchewan Crossing travel south.
  • Traffic north of Saskatchewan Crossing travel north.
• All traffic in Jasper travel west.

Evacuations have taken place at:

• Athabasca hostel
• Wabasso Campground
• Kerkeslin Pit
• Snaring campground
• Snaring overflow
• Palisades Stewardship and Education Centre

Measures are underway to protect the safety of people and property.

We will provide an update when new information is available.

For more information please visit the Jasper National Park Facebook and X channels.