Video Shows Buildings in Ashes After Wildfire Burns Through Jasper

Structures and a vehicle destroyed in wildfire are shown in Jasper on July 25, 2024. Courtesy Ryan Jespersen

A video circulating online July 25 shows blocks and blocks of Jasper homes and buildings reduced to charred rubble by the wildfire that roared through the Alberta town just hours before.

Scorched remains of homes, some of which appear to be smoking, can be seen in the video being shared by Ryan Jespersen on platform X, formerly Twitter. Mr. Jespersen, host of daily news talk show Real Talk, gave The Epoch Times permission to share the video.

The footage was taken from the inside of a truck as the vehicle drives slowly through what appears to be a residential neighbourhood.

The video captured blackened shells of vehicles parked along the streets and numerous trees that had been burned and damaged.

“There’s mom and dad’s house,” a voice in the video says as the footage shows a wooden foundation surrounded by charred trees. The truck then turns right onto a new street, revealing another block of homes that had been destroyed.

‘The Magic Is Not Lost’

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was emotional during a July 25 news conference, tearing up as she provided an update on the wildfire situation.

“Homes and businesses have been lost to a wildfire that people are calling a wall of flames. There is no denying that this is the worst nightmare for any community,” she said.

“For many generations, the town of Jasper and the parks surrounding it have been a source of pride with some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire world.”

The premier told residents that they were not alone and that everyone shared in the loss.

“To the residents, families, and business owners who call Jasper home, we will recover from this,” she said. “The magic is not lost and it never will be.”

Jasper National Park confirmed the damage in a post on Facebook.

“Significant structural firefighting reinforcements arrived throughout the night and have continued to assist with firefighting efforts in the community overnight and this morning,” the July 25 post said.

Park staff said it was “impossible” to provide information on specific damage.

“As you can understand, the accuracy of this information is critical because it has a direct impact on members of the community. We will share more information as soon as we are able to ensure its accuracy.”

The historic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge posted an update on July 25, saying, “We are able to confirm that though the hotel did incur fire damage, most of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge structures, including the main lodge, remain standing and intact.”

It added, “While we will need time to assess the full scale of the damage and the timelines required for repair and restoration, we are deeply relieved that much of the property was spared and the resort will re-open in the future.”

The lodge is a 700-acre luxury resort that celebrated its centennial in 2022.

Another hotel, Maligne Lodge, located in the southwest end of Jasper, was destroyed.

Owner Karyn Decore posted the news on Instagram on July 25, noting that her family had owned and operated the hotel since 1961.

“We are so devastated and we are also so sad for all the other business owners, operators, residents and wonderful people who call Jasper home. My heart goes out to all of you,” she wrote.

The fire within the park reached the town at approximately 6 p.m. on July 24.

Ottawa has approved Alberta’s request for military assistance to battle the fires.

Jennifer Cowan contributed to this report.