Alberta’s wildfire situation has gone next level with the fire in Jasper National Park reaching 10,800 hectares in size and forcing the evacuation of the resort town.
Over 25,000 people evacuated Jasper on Monday night local time. First responders were ordered out of the National Park yesterday and evacuated to the town of Hinton for their own safety and to allow structural fire fighters to continue to battle the fire.
Nearby Marmot Basin ski resort has shut down and evacuated any summer staff that were on the mountain. The resort is not open during the summer, the majority of staff that remain are in management roles and work remotely.
Helicopter bucketing efforts have been to no avail and flying conditions have been too dangerous for water bombers.
The south fire reached Jasper around 6pm local time on Wednesday with strong wind gusts and deteriorated air quality. The fire looks to have destroyed Maligne Lodge and be on the grounds of the iconic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
Jasper National Park has reported there has been “significant loss within the townsite.”
With no on-mountain accommodation, Marmot Basin is serviced by the town of Jasper and skiers and boarders stay in the historic town and shuttle between hotels and lodges and the ski resort.
The Mayor of Jasper, Richard Ireland, released a statement on social media on Wednesday local time.
The news this evening that the fire has entered our town has rocked us all.
The pain and heartache that you feel is shared by each one of us. Please know that my thoughts are with all of you during this incredibly difficult time.
To all the responders on the ground in our town – our home – words cannot express the admiration and gratitude we have for your professionalism, your dedication and your unyielding efforts.
In the face of such overwhelming adversity, it is imperative that we support and strengthen each other. While the road ahead is daunting and remains uncertain, please remember that you are not alone. Our community is resilient, and united we will find a way to get through this, together.
Take care of yourselves and each other tonight and through the challenging days ahead.
With heartfelt sympathy and solidarity,
Mayor Richard Ireland
Our thoughts are with the town of Jasper, the fire fighters, the business owners and the locals.
*update – Marmot Basin has not received any damage, Jasper has lost 30% of town to devastating fire.
