JASPER — Parks Canada officials say they’re making progress on battling the blazes in Jasper National Park.
An update late Sunday night from the park’s official X account stated crews were busy on several fronts, with the Canadian Armed Forces mopping up spot fires on the northwest side of the town of Jasper.
With temperatures in the area this week expected to linger in the mid 20s, Jasper National Park says it’s vital to keep making progress at this time.
Among the efforts being made include a 12 inch sprinkler line, which the park says is nearing completion along the community fire guard.
Over 20,000 people in and around the community nestled in the Rocky Mountains four hours west of Edmonton were ordered to evacuate last Monday due to fast-moving wildfires.
Parks Canada has estimated 30 per cent of the buildings in Jasper were damaged by the wildfire, and a map of the town indicating which properties suffered damage was released on Saturday afternoon. The map is giving residents a better picture of what’s still standing and what isn’t, but a town official has cautioned it’s based only on what can be seen from the street.
Additional information on what’s been damaged outside the town is underway, Parks Canada said, and firefighters are working to protect homes and other accommodations in those outlying areas.
Jasper National Park remains closed and RCMP are ensuring the town is secure, Parks Canada said, noting there are checkpoints to keep people out.
A Parks Canada official said Saturday the fire could burn for months.
Evacuees from Jasper learned Sunday the Alberta and federal governments will provide additional money for relief, with both saying they’ll match donations to the Canadian Red Cross 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal.
Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan and Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis said in a joint news release that the donation-matching initiative means every $1 donated will become $3 to support people most impacted by wildfires in Jasper and across the province.
It will last for 30 days, retroactive to when the fundraising campaign first opened on Thursday.
Extra help to fight the fires in Jasper and other parts of Alberta has also been arriving. The Canadian military tweeted photos Sunday of soldiers in Hinton, where it said they were undergoing “firefighter refresher training” led by the local fire department.
Forty Quebec forest firefighters also flew to Edmonton on Sunday ahead of a two-week mission in the field. More support from Ontario, Australia and South Africa was expected to arrive Sunday, the province has said.
CATO’S CALL TO ACTION
The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) said in an official statement that it is deeply concerned about the wildfires that have swept through Western Canada, particularly in Jasper.
“The wildfires in Western Canada have not only posed a threat to the safety and well-being of residents but have also had a significant impact on the tourism industry in the region. As a key player in the travel sector, CATO recognizes the importance of addressing climate change to ensure the long-term sustainability of our industry,” reads the statement.
“Climate change is a pressing issue that cannot be ignored. The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, along with other extreme weather events, are clear indicators of the urgent need for action. As tour operators, we have a responsibility to promote sustainable practices and advocate for policies that mitigate the effects of climate change.”
CATO said it’s committed to working with its members, partners and government agencies to support affected communities, promote resilience and raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.
“We urge all stakeholders in the tourism industry to prioritize sustainability and take proactive measures to address the challenges posed by climate change,” said CATO. “Our thoughts are with the residents of Jasper, Alberta, and all those impacted by the wildfires in Western Canada. Together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for our industry and our planet.”
