A wildfire which threatened the Jasper townsite reached the municipality Wednesday night.
Around 6 p.m. Wednesday, officials said due to significant fire activity and forecasted strong winds, first responders were being relocated to Hinton. However, firefighter personnel, aircraft and a small number of Incident Command staff remained in the town of Jasper and continue efforts to protect infrastructure. Command officials say safety of the public and responders is their top priority.
“This decision has not been made lightly. First responders dedicate their lives to the protection of people and communities. Given the intensity of fire behaviour being observed the decision has been made to limit the number of responders exposed to this risk,” the statement said.
“Our hearts go out to all of the affected community members, their families and their friends, many of which include our local first responders.”
Photos of damage in the townsite, including the 60-year-old Jasper-Maligne lodge engulfed in flames began circulating on social media soon after the statement.
Alberta Minister of Public Safety, Mike Ellis says the province will be requesting military assistance to help crews battle the wildfires in the Jasper region. A request, according to a tweet by Federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Harjit Sajjan will be met with all “necessary resources available to support firefighting, evacuation, and logistical support as we fight wildfires threatening communities in Alberta.”
An evacuation order was issued for both the Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park was issued on July 22nd. Evacuees can register in welcome centres in Grande Prairie, Edmonton and Calgary.
