A fast-moving wildfire has devastated the picturesque town of Jasper in the Canadian Rockies, destroying up to half of its structures and forcing the evacuation of 25,000 people. The blaze roared into the near-deserted town overnight on Wednesday.
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland described the situation in a letter as beyond comprehension, stating that the wildfire had “ravaged our beloved community.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, visibly emotional during a news conference, estimated that 30% to 50% of the town’s structures were potentially damaged or destroyed. She also posted a video message on her X account thanking the firefighters who came and asking those evacuating to ‘leave safely.”
The fire’s rapid advance caught many off guard. Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis reported that a wind gust propelled the wildfire about 5 kilometers in less than 30 minutes, creating a wall of fire estimated to be 100 meters high. Pierre Martel, director of fire management at Parks Canada, described flames rising above the treetops as the fire entered the town, calling it a “monster” that left firefighters with no choice but to retreat.
Despite the extensive damage, Parks Canada officials confirmed that critical infrastructure, including the hospital, schools, and wastewater treatment plant, was protected. The most significant structural damage appears to be concentrated on the west side of town, with some bridges in and around Jasper also sustaining damage.
The evacuation of Jasper and the neighboring Jasper National Park was carried out earlier in the week as fires threatened from both north and south. The town’s 5,000 full-time residents and approximately 20,000 visitors were evacuated on short notice late Monday and Tuesday.
Jasper, a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, is home to diverse wildlife including elk, cougars, lynx, and bears. The fire’s impact on the surrounding ecosystem is yet to be determined.
This wildfire is part of a challenging fire season in Canada. In 2023, more than 235,000 people across the country were forced to evacuate due to intense wildfire outbreaks, with smoke affecting air quality in parts of the United States. Alberta itself experienced a record 2.2 million hectares burned sometime last year.