Local News
Wildfire ravages Jasper: 358 structures destroyed
On Friday afternoon, Jasper National Park officials shared that while assessments of infrastructure damages are ongoing, the damage within the townsite is estimated at around 30 per cent. "Out of a total of 1113 structures within the town, 358 have been destroyed. All critical infrastructure in Jasper was successfully protected including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant," officials stated. Some businesses have confirmed that their buildings were impacted, including the iconic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. In a social media update on Thursday, the hotel stated that the hotel did incur fire damage, but most of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge structures, including the main lodge, remain standing and intact. "While we will need time to assess the full scale of the damage and the timelines required for repair and restoration, we are deeply relieved that much of the property was spared and the resort will re-open in the future," the hotel added. Currently, 154 firefighters in Jasper are putting out any hot spots on the outskirts of Jasper, which officials said is a priority. "Cooler conditions are reducing fire behaviour as showers tapered off overnight. Winds are anticipated to reach up to 30 km/h and may increase fire activity," Parks officials added. Currently, the Jasper wildfire complex is estimated to cover 36,000 hectares. In an update on Thursday evening, officials explained that a complex refers to more than one wildfire. "The Jasper Wildfire Complex now includes the combined North and South wildfires and the Utopia wildfire near Miette Hot Springs that started on July 19. The Utopia Wildfire was almost being held before the other wildfires started and will be reassessed on Friday, July 26." Officials also addressed the residents and businesses of the town of Jasper. "We understand that this is an incredibly difficult and challenging time but our priorities remain addressing the active fire and assessing structural damage in the community. We are happy to report all critical infrastructure has been saved. We appreciate how hard it is to wait for confirmation about your homes." Officials concluded that fire crews continue to fight the fire and remain focused on making it safe for the people of Jasper to come home. The area remains closed for public safety, evacuation order is still in effect. There are 176 wildfires currently burning across Alberta. Of these wildfires, 54 are classified as out of control, 49 are being held, and 73 are under control. Since July 24, there have been 20 new wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app. For breaking news, weather and contest alerts, click here.