Canadian Tourist Town Burning

Over 25,000 people fled Jasper townsite and national park in Alberta, Canada, from Tuesday to early Wednesday morning. Much of Northern and Central Alberta and parts of British Columbia were shrouded in choking wildfire smoke. Forty residents initially stayed behind. However, by early last night, sudden high winds sent the fire racing across the highway and Athabasca River straight into the historic tourist town. Despite an enforced, mandatory evacuation order yesterday, only structural firefighters remained.

Early this morning, PM Justin Trudeau promised financial and emergency aid for the town, and Jasper National Park. Some say, too little, too late.

The fire entered Jasper’s southern end, destroying the Maligne Lodge and engulfing residential structures. Yet to be confirmed, initial reports suggest multiple structures and hotels burning. Possible damage may include a gas station. The final ‘significant losses’ are yet to be realized.

Jasper National Park and Jasper townsite are among Canada’s much loved tourist destinations. Much loved by Israeli visitors, campsites, lodges, and hotels abound. The town centre was irresistible with its quaint Western Canadian wooden buildings, a large bear statue, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and gift shops. Visitors from global destinations as far away as Israel and from across Canada, flocked year-round to enjoy summer train rides, a mountain gondola, a cliff-top restaurant, the famed Athabasca Hotel, breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, and winter sports. For residents, it was a special home. However, the wildfire that ravaged the town last night may have been too much for some.

Jasper’s around 5000 residents, emergency services personnel, 20,000 visitors, and seasonal workers were successfully evacuated. Support and shelter assistance has been provided in Prince George, Edmonton, and other communities. It is not yet known how much they lost or if they have anything to go back to. The losses could run into millions of dollars, but the cost of rebuilding may be much higher. However, the devastating losses of historical and much-loved tourist vistas and venues will be irreplaceable.

Hinton firefighters rush to Jasper to save the town. (Photo – Matt Leclair, Facebook)