Wildfires that rushed through Jasper have caused widespread destruction, wiping some areas of the resort town off the map.
The landscape has been left charred, and provincial government officials were clearly shaken as they held a news conference today with an update on the situation.
The fires, burning in Jasper National Park, reached the town last night.
⚠️ Jasper Complex Wildfire Update: Current as of 10:30 am ⚠️
We know that Jasperites, Canadians and people who love Jasper from around the world are looking for updates and information on the status of the places they live, visit and care deeply about.— Jasper National Park, Parks Canada (@JasperNP) July 25, 2024
Alberta Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen offered his support to the people of Jasper who have lost everything.
“Yesterday marked a truly heartbreaking day in our province’s history” Loewen told reporters this morning in Alberta. “Late Wednesday afternoon, the wildfire in Jasper National Park made contact with Jasper townsite. The images we’re seeing out of Jasper are devastating, and my heart goes out to the community.”
Premier Danielle Smith says Minister Sajjan is arriving today and a conversation with the Prime Minister is scheduled for this afternoon, Alberta time.
Photo via CPAC
She says the wildfire situation is serious, and the province has brought in resources from as far away as Australia to help fight the fires.
“There are 176 wildfires burning in the forest protection area of Alberta, 54 of those are out of control, 50 are being held, and 69 are under control.” She says rain has reduced the threat in some areas, but the danger remains extreme in the northeast and the south of the province.”
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey, whose own province has had its battle with wildfires this summer, has been in contact with Premier Danielle Smith and assured her that Newfoundland and Labrador will help wherever it can.
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are thinking of the residents of Jasper and are here to help in any way we can. pic.twitter.com/zL0Qw4TFtj
— Premier of NL (@PremierofNL) July 25, 2024
