Jasper wildfire largest in 100 years, expected to burn for months: Officials
Officials say the Jasper wildfire, which tore through the townsite on Wednesday, is the largest the national park has recorded in 100 years.
Parks Canada gave an update on the wildfire and damage to the town on Saturday afternoon.
"We recognize that this is a traumatic and stressful time for Jasper residents. Many of you will have your worst fears officially confirmed today," Christine Nadon, incident commander for the Municipality of Jasper, said.
A preliminary map of damaged properties was released on Saturday, but Nadon said it only shows any damage as assessed from the street, and any homes marked as "not damaged" may still have smoke or water damage inside.
On Friday, it was estimated that 358 of the 1,113 structures in the town had been destroyed.
"The residential population that is affected is much greater than the number of structures damaged," Nadon said. "An apartment building is one structure, a single house is one structure … Therefore, a good majority of our residents are affected.
"And, I would say, even those who still have homes are deeply affected and grieving our community."
While there are no details yet, Nadon said planning is underway for residents to have scheduled visits – though it remained too dangerous on Saturday for reentry.
"At this time, it is not possible for residents to return to Jasper to view their property or collect their belongings," she added. "The townsite is not safe …the chemicals released by structural fire are a serious risk to health. There is still an active wildfire on the perimeter of town."
More information for residents can be found on the Municipality of Jasper's website or the town's Facebook page.
'A long struggle'
Despite recent cooler, wetter weather, the Jasper wildfire remained out-of-control on Saturday.
Landon Shepherd, of Parks Canada, said efforts were being focused on the town's perimeter, as well as protecting critical park infrastructure like pipelines, CN rail and Highway 16.
Structural firefighters remained in the town on Saturday to put out hotspots.
Shepherd said the fire, which began as three separate wildfires, is the largest Jasper National Park has recorded in the past 100 years – due in part to large amounts of available fuel.
"The suppression of Indigenous ignition over the last century, as well as a policy of wanting to suppress fires, because they can be really consequential like this, it means we don't have that landscape mosaic to break things up," he added.
Shepherd said fire activity is expected to pick up again in the coming days, and he expects crews to continue working on the fire for at least three months.
"The fire season Jasper tends to last well into the fall," Shepherd said. "So we're gearing up for a long struggle."
Evacuees
There were around 17,100 total wildfire evacuees across Alberta on Saturday according to the Alberta Emergency Management Agency.
Evacuation orders remained active in Jasper, the communities of John D'Or Prairie, Fox Lake, Garden River, Chipewyan Lake and the Municipal District of Bighorn.
Jasper evacuees, and any other evacuees who have been away from home for seven or more days, can apply for emergency financial relief at the Government of Alberta website.
The Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) said the province will be hosting a telephone town hall on Monday at 6:30 p.m.
"We know that there's a lot of information circulating about the situation in Jasper, including some that is misleading or unverified," said Stephen Lacroix, from AEMA. "Albertans are invited to join the town hall to get updates on the wildfire situation and answers to any questions you may have."
More information on the town hall can be found at alberta.ca/emergency.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Timeline: The rise and fall of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political fortunes
In the wake of the NDP withdrawing its automatic support of the minority Liberal government, here is a timeline of key events charting the arc of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's fortunes in federal politics.
Sudbury OPP officer pleads guilty to stealing evidence during moose hunt investigation
A veteran staff sergeant with the Ontario Provincial Police in Sudbury has been sentenced for stealing two items from a First Nations man and hiding what he did while his fellow officers searched for them.
Huge payout expected for a rare coin bought by Ohio farm family and hidden for decades
Three sisters from Ohio who inherited a dime kept in a bank vault for more than 40 years knew it had some value. But they had no idea just how much until just a few years ago.
Trump threatens to jail adversaries in escalating rhetoric ahead of pivotal debate
With just days to go before his first and likely only debate against U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump posted a warning on his social media site threatening to jail those “involved in unscrupulous behavior” this election, which he said would be under intense scrutiny.
Walz touts Democratic record of defending LGBTQ2S+ rights, says Harris will advance cause if elected
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz touted U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris' record of defending LGBTQ2S+ rights on Saturday night, pledging to a supportive crowd that she will advance their cause if elected president.
Chased away by Israeli settlers, these Palestinians returned to a village in ruins
An entire Palestinian community fled their tiny West Bank village last fall after repeated threats from Israeli settlers with a history of violence. Then, in a rare endorsement of Palestinian land rights, Israel's highest court ruled this summer the displaced residents of Khirbet Zanuta were entitled to return under the protection of Israeli forces.
Kentucky community told to stay vigilant amid manhunt for 'armed and dangerous' person of interest in interstate shooting
A manhunt is ongoing for a suspect who authorities say shot into nine cars on an interstate south of Lexington, Kentucky, on Saturday – leaving five people seriously injured, closing the interstate for hours and putting a rural community on edge.
Two men stabbed in a brawl that got out of hand in Old Montreal
Two men were injured in a brawl involving around ten people in downtown Montreal on Saturday night, according to the Montreal police (SPVM).
King Charles attends church prayers on the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death
King Charles III attended church near the royal Balmoral estate in Scotland for prayers and reflection in remembrance of his mother Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday, the second anniversary of her death.