A wildfire that has threatened Jasper National Park and the townsite of Jasper over the past week made its way into the historic resort Town Wednesday evening. An evacuation order had been issued on Monday, July 22nd, with over 25,000 residents and travelers fleeing the area to seek shelter elsewhere.
The wildfire has since grown into a firestorm brought on by intense winds.
The extent of the damage is currently unknown, but Park officials say that numerous buildings have already been lost within the Jasper townsite, including the Maligne Lodge Hotel. Several homes and businesses have also been consumed in the fire, but details
about specific buildings or neighbourhoods have not been disclosed at this time.
Crews have been fighting to save as many buildings and homes as possible. Fire trucks have been sent from various areas across the province, including a team sent to Jasper from Vegreville to aid in attempting to stop the fire.
Weeks of a relentless heat wave in Alberta have made the conditions favourable for the fire to spread rapidly. Even with crews responding as quickly as they could protect the community, the fire could not be stopped from making its way into the Town.
The weather forecast is finally offering some relief over the next few days, as rain is expected after many weeks of very hot and very dry conditions.
The fight to save Jasper National Park and the Jasper townsite remains ongoing.
