Jasper wildfires growing, menacing historic Alberta townsite from two directions

By The Canadian Press on July 24, 2024.

A reception centre is readied for wildfire evacuees forced from Jasper National Park in Calgary, Alta., Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Some residents of Jasper National Park who were trapped in traffic for hours while evacuating due to wildfires say they are feeling relieved they've found safety. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

EDMONTON – Fuelled by whipping winds, fires in Jasper National Park are edging closer from two directions to the historic Rocky Mountain townsite of Jasper.

Parks Canada says a wildfire to the north is five kilometres away while another approaching from the south is eight kilometres distant.

No critical infrastructure in Jasper has been damaged, and crews are scrambling to protect the homes of almost 5,000 residents by bulldozing a fireguard on the southern edge, clearing flammables house-by-house, and installing massive sprinkler systems.

Parks Canada official Katie Ellsworth says windy conditions are making things worse, and says the southern blaze has doubled in size to more than 100 square kilometres.

Officials say they can’t accurately update what’s happening to infrastructure outside the townsite, such as picnic areas or power lines, because of smoky conditions.

About 25,000 people, including residents and visitors, were forced to flee Jasper National Park earlier this week ahead of the fires.