The Town of Jasper has released a map of the initial damage assessment of the town.
The map, which was released Saturday, June 28th, shows which structures have been destroyed by the wildfire, which structures have been damaged by the wildfire, and which have not been touched. According to officials, the map is preliminary and only based on the damage that is visible from the street.
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland says the pain those in Jasper feel is “beyond comprehension.”
“Our homes were full of memories and hubs for family, friendships and community,” Ireland says. “We have rallied many times in the past to support each other. I know this will be the darkest week in our community’s history; I am confident that together we will see brighter days are ahead.”
Jasper Field Unit Superintendent for Parks Canada Alan Fehr made a statement shortly after saying he has never been prouder of Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasperthan now in “response to the most devastating wildfire in a Canadian national park’s history.”
“I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to everyone who experienced losses. We are here to support the entire community of Jasper. Our thoughts are with you, your families, and all residents and business operators during this incredibly difficult time,” Fehr says.
Today Federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness Harjit S. Sajjan and the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services for Alberta Mike Ellis announced a donation-matching initiative with the Canadian Red Cross that will support wildfire disaster relief in the province, including Jasper. According to the announcement both the federal and provincial governments will match all donations made to the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal. This will result in every $1 donated being equal to $3.
According to the announcement “The donation matching will be for 30 days, retroactive to when it first opened on July 25, 2024.”
In a statement, Ellis says the loss seen in Jasper has touched the hearts of not just Canadians but those around the world who have spent time in the community.
“Alberta’s government stands firmly behind the Jasper community and every Albertan who has been affected by these wildfires, and matching donations to the Red Cross demonstrates our shared commitment to support Jasperites and Albertans throughout their recovery,” Ellis says.
As of Saturday night’s update visible structural hot spots within the town have been extinguished and firefighters continue to patrol the community for any fire activity. An infrared scan of the town was scheduled for this morning to provide firefighters with the location of any hidden hot spots and the structural protection sprinklers were moved to the active fire perimeter to protect outlying structures in these areas; including Lake Edith and businesses north of the town of Jasper. Parks Canada also has requested a night vision helicopter from Alberta Wildfire so bucketing could be overnight while the wildfire activity is lower.
“Bulldozers are preparing to put protection lines around the north end of the community and to help reduce spread west of the community on the lower slopes of Whistler mountain. Areas under consideration also include widening existing fire guards to ensure no further damage to the community,” the update reads.
According to officials many evacuees were forced to leave pets behind because of how quickly the wildfire spread to the town and with the help of the Hinton and District SPCA donating their van 15 pets have been rescued so far from the community. These pets have been taken to the Hinton and District SPCA and will be provided for and taken care of there until their owners can be reunited with them.
As of 8 p.m. Saturday, the Jasper Complex wildfire remains out-of-control and because of the warmer temperatures forecasted in the coming days is expected to increase in activity.
