Multiple structure fires in Jasper as crews work to protect critical infrastructure

https://edmonton.citynews.ca/ ^ | July 24, 2024 | Kelsey Patterson and Michael Ranger

[Jonty30]

Multiple structure fires have been reported in Jasper as crews work to protect critical infrastructure after a wildfire reached the town late Wednesday.

Parks Canada confirmed flames from one of two threatening wildfires were being driven by strong winds and reached the southern edge of the townsite around 6:30 p.m.

Some images and video posted to social media show buildings fully engulfed in flames in the south part of town.

A last minute effort to try and change the fire’s direction to natural barriers, such as Athabasca River and Highway 16, was not successful. Another blaze is moving in towards the north side of town.

Anyone who has not yet evacuated the area is being asked to leave immediately.

“This is for your own safety and to allow these critical operations to protect the town of Jasper to continue unimpeded,” reads a statement from Parks Canada.

[Jonty30]

I'm told one of the Petro-Canadas is no more and they lost Maligne Lodge, which was built in the 1930's and is one of the first buildings you see when you come from the East.

[Jonty30]

Maligne Lodge is still taking reservations, so that’s good.
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g154918-d184491-Reviews-or60-Maligne_Lodge-Jasper_Jasper_National_Park_Alberta.html

[steve86]

I don’t know that the TripAdvisor website being up implies things are hunky-dory at the lodge.

Very sorry to hear about these fires and prayers and best wishes to those impacted.

[steve86]

Jasper about 650 miles driving distance from me in SE WA State. We do get to exchange wildfire smoke sometimes.

[No name given]

And I pray if the cause of the fires 🔥 is arson, that whoever caused them is brought to justice swiftly.

[Bulwyf]

I don’t live that far away as the crow flies, but no smoke here yet. It is raining though, so should help a bit.

[woodbutcher1963]

The CN railroad was advising sawmills that this would disrupt eastbound traffic two days ago. They are having reroute typical traffic around this part of Alberta. Especially, anything coming out of the Prince George, BC area.