Nearly seven weeks after a series of lightning strikes ignited a tinder-dry forest on a hot, gusty evening, officials have the Jasper Wildfire Complex under control.
“The fire perimeter today is 100 percent controlled,” Jasper National Park officials told media members Saturday, September 7. “The wildfire has received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread.”
On the evening of July 22, 2024, after a rainless lightning storm swirled around the Athabasca Valley, ferocious winds blew up multiple fires which had started to the south and north of the Jasper townsite. The events had Jasper National Park initial attack crews scrambling to contain fast-spreading flames, but suppression efforts could not keep up to the growing infernos. Three fires to the south merged into one while the north fire lapped distressingly close to the townsite. At approximately 9:40 p.m., incident commanders called for a town and park-wide evacuation. Approximately 25,000 people fled to the safety of neighbouring communities.
More than 750 personnel and legions of equipment and resources were deployed to assist. On July 24, the south wildfire impinged the community of Jasper, forever altering the town. Due to the unwavering efforts of structural firefighters—including the Jasper Fire Brigade—more than 70 percent of the town’s buildings were saved.
Meanwhile, the wildfire still raged. Thousands of person-hours have been spent battling the 33,000 hectare fire. The wildfire has resulted in $880 million in insured damages, according to an early estimate from the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
Today, the fire’s 278 km-long perimeter is no longer at risk of growing.
“This significant achievement would not have been possible without the deliberate and joint efforts under unified command with the Municipality of Jasper,” incident commander for Parks Canada, Landon Shepherd said in a statement. “Parks Canada extends its thanks to residents, partners, stakeholders and the public for their cooperation, patience, understanding and support over the past six weeks.”
Parks Canada also extended gratitude to its wildfire assisting partners, including Alberta Wildfire, Yukon Wildfire and the Ontario Ministry of Resources, who all contributed firefighters and resources to this effort. Over the course of the incident, more than 3,000 personnel were working on the incident.
Jasper Fire Chief Mathew Conte, who lost his home in the fire, said the day represents an incredible milestone.
“The collaboration [with Parks Canada] only reinforces our commitment to continue working together,” Conte said.
Hot, dry conditions are anticipated to continue in Jasper National Park. Parks Canada will be ensuring roads, day-use areas and facilities are safe from fire-weakened trees. A fire ban remains in effect.
Parks Canada will continue to monitor and action hotspots and patrol lines in the Overlander area, Maligne Valley, and Whirlpool drainage using helicopters plus ground crews, Shepherd said. Strong potential exists for smoke and flames to be visible inside the fire’s perimeter until the onset of winter.
Shepherd said collaborative efforts don’t end here.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Municipality of Jasper on the road to rebuilding and recovery,” he said.
Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com
