Iconic Canadian Mountain Town Devastated by Wildfires
The historic town is a gateway to the Canadian Rockies.
The famed and historic Canadian mountain town of Jasper, Alberta was hit by a fast-moving wildfire this week, with the town suffering significant damage from the blaze.
Photos and videos spread on social media showed the extent of the devastation, with blocks of homes and tourist lodges reduced to ash. Fires first broke out in the area on Monday, July 22, and reached the town within 48 hours. Evacuation orders soon followed, with 20,000 tourists and around 5,000 year-round residents fleeing for safety. Now, many are just beginning to get a view of the destruction.
There are no words. Jasper is burned to the ground. ???? pic.twitter.com/lV8koLhzUR
— Ryan Jespersen (@ryanjespersen) July 25, 2024
During a Thursday press conference, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said that "potentially 30 to 50 percent" of buildings in the town had been destroyed, BBC reported. "There is no denying that this is the worst nightmare for any community," she said.
While damage to the town was significant, it was not complete. The famous Jasper Park Lodge shared that it had largely survived the fires, and other parts of town appeared to be spared. No deaths have been reported.
An awesome update from Jasper Park Lodge: it’s damaged, but it survived. Most of the buildings are OK and the iconic resort will reopen at some point. #abfire #Jasper pic.twitter.com/0mGwHuF8av
— Sean Amato (@JSJamato) July 26, 2024
Jasper is a hugely popular tourist spot, serving as a gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Jasper National Park—the largest and most popular national park in Canada—remains indefinitely closed due to the fires. Nearby Banff National Park remains open at this time.
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland shared a heartfelt message on Facebook amid the devastation, imploring residents to stick together. "In the face of such overwhelming adversity, it is imperative that we support and strengthen each other," he wrote. "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."
Firefighters continue to battle blazes in the area, with rain and cooler temperatures helping to tamp down the spread.