Emotional Alberta Premier Says a Third to Half of Jasper Structures Destroyed by Wildfire

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks in Edmonton on April 10, 2024. (The Canadian Press/Jason Franson)

Between 30 and 50 percent of the buildings in Jasper have been destroyed by a wildfire that hit the town overnight, according to Alberta’s premier.

Premier Danielle Smith gave an emotional update to the media on July 25.

“We’re seeing potentially 30 to 50 percent structural damage,” she said during a news conference.

“We don’t know particularly which structures have been damaged and which ones have been destroyed, but it’s going to be significant rebuild, and significant displacement for a long period of time.”

Clearly upset by the damage in Jasper, Ms. Smith said the park was a jewel for the province.

“We share the sense of loss with all of those who live in the town, who care for it, and who have helped build it. Jasper, we will continue to stand by you as everyone works to get their feet back under them.”

At one point in the conference, a staffer handed the premier a box of tissues as she was visibly crying.

Ms. Smith described the overnight situation as “extremely volatile” and said the province would support those who are displaced.

“Alberta’s government will provide the support needed to families and community to recover and to rebuild stronger than ever so that future generations can continue to experience this one-of-a-kind community and to feel the magic of being able to come home.”

A wildfire burns near Jasper, Alta., on July 24, 2024. (The Canadian Press/HO, Facebook, Jasper National Park)

Damage

Images and videos shared on social media show extensive damage to homes and vehicles in the town, with structures burned to the ground.

Pierre Martel, director of the National Fire Management program at Parks Canada, said that structural firefighters were still on site trying to save what they could.

“We do know that multiple structures including a number of businesses and homes in and around the town of Jasper have been lost,” Mr. Martel said during a Parks Canada virtual update on the situation.

Parks Canada said it needs to accurately assess what has been damaged before it can provide details on lost structures. The agency adds that crews are continuing to try to subdue the wildfire.

“Jasper National Park received a small amount of rain overnight,” Parks Canada said in a statement.

“While the rain helped reduce fire activity slightly, it is not enough to have made a meaningful impact to the overall wildfire situation, which remains out of control.”

The wildfire reached town limits around 6 p.m. local time on July 24.

One hotel, the Maligne Lodge in the southwest end of town, was destroyed by the fires, according to an Instagram post by Decore Hotels CEO Karyn Decore.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge confirmed that the fire had reached the grounds of their resort, but they were not sure of the extent of the damage, according to a July 24 post on the Lodge website.

Still Out of Control

Premier Smith said that she has been meeting with the emergency management cabinet daily for the last several days.

“Right now the wildfire is still out of control and crews are working in dangerous conditions to try and protect critical infrastructure in the town,” she said.

The province has been getting fire crews and help from 32 municipalities across the province, and has also asked the Canadian Armed Forces for help.

Additionally, Australia, Mexico, and South Africa have sent firefighters to help with the wildfire situation in the province, officials from Alberta Wildfire said at the news conference.

Jennifer Cowan and The Canadian Press contributed to this report.