Wildfire in Canadian Rockies’ largest national park ravages town of Jasper

A fast-moving wildfire in the Canadian Rockies that prompted thousands of people to flee the town of Jasper roared into the near-deserted community overnight – causing devastating damage, the mayor said on Thursday.

Officials said it was too early to confirm how many houses were burned, but Jasper mayor Richard Ireland said in a letter to residents on the town’s website that the wildfire “ravaged our beloved community”.

“The destruction and loss that many you are facing and feeling is beyond description and comprehension, my deepest sympathies go out to each of you,” he said.

He said he was writing with “profound sorrow as we being to come to terms with the devastating impact”.

Jasper had been menaced by fires from both the north and south, and the town’s 5,000 full-time residents — along with 20,000 more park visitors – fled on short notice late on Monday night and on Tuesday when the fires flared up.

Jasper National Park officials said one of the fires had entered the southern edge of the community on Wednesday evening and crews were battling structure fires and working to protect key infrastructure.

There were significant losses in some areas, they said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government has approved Alberta’s request for federal assistance, including military resources.

“At this point I can’t confirm how many, locations or specific structures. The fire continues to burn,” Parks Canada spokesperson James Eastham said outside Jasper overnight.

On X, the account for the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge says the flames have reached the hotel’s grounds, but the extent of damage, if any, is not yet known.

Katie Ellsworth, of Parks Canada, said strong wind gusts swooping in behind it sent the south wildfire racing into the community.

A record number of wildfires in 2023 forced more than 235,000 people across Canada to evacuate and sent thick smoke into parts of the US, leading to hazy skies and health advisories in multiple U.S. cities.

Jasper National Park is considered a national treasure. The United Nations designated the parks that make up the Canadian Rockies, including Jasper, a World Heritage Site in 1984 for its striking mountain landscape.

Alberta has been baking under scorching temperatures that have already forced another 7,500 people out of remote communities. About 177 wildfires were burning across the province.