A wildfire burns as an empty street in Jasper, Alta. is shown in this Wednesday, July 24, 2024 handout photo from the Jasper National Park Facebook page. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Facebook, Jasper National Park *MANDATORY CREDIT*
Critical infrastructure has been affected by the wildfires that have raged through Jasper National Park, Alta. and into the picturesque townsite itself.
Telus Corp. confirmed Thursday that some of its infrastructure in the Jasper area was damaged Wednesday in the blaze.
A Telus spokeswoman said some home phone and mobility services in the area are down, and technicians are working hard to restore service.
Priority is being given to restoring the ability to make voice calls, including those to 911, emergency services and hospital communication, said spokeswoman Brandi Merker in an email.
She said the company is securing helicopters to refuel critical cell tower sites and has also brought in backup generators to ensure the company can maintain wireless coverage for first responders.
“We know this is a difficult time and we are doing all we can to support our customers and team members who have been impacted, including supplying resources to the evacuation centre in Hinton, Alberta,” Merker said.
Telus said Thursday it is committing $100,000 to support rebuilding efforts in Jasper.
Canadian National Railway Co., whose main line runs through Jasper, suspended operations in the area Wednesday afternoon as conditions worsened.
CN first suspended rail service through Jasper on Tuesday but restarted it briefly Wednesday before shutting it down again a few hours later.
“Early reports indicate the wildfires caused significant damage to the town. We stand in support and solidarity with the community, home to many of our CN team members and their families,” said CN spokeswoman Ashley Michnowski in an email.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 25, 2024.
Companies in this story: (TSX:T; TSX:CNR)
