Jasper, Alberta Marks One Year Since Devastating Wildfire

Jasper, Alberta, prepares to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the catastrophic wildfire that ravaged the townsite on July 24, 2024, leaving a profound impact on its residents and the landscape. This disaster destroyed 358 out of 1,113 structures, displacing thousands and significantly altering the community's fabric.

The wildfire, which was the most severe to strike Jasper National Park in over a century, forced the evacuation of approximately 5,000 residents as flames approached the town. Many residents, such as Nancy Addison, are still grappling with the aftermath, waiting for the completion of new homes. According to Addison, who has lived in Jasper for nearly 40 years and lost her home in the fire, the past year has been a journey of uncertainty and displacement. "It makes you feel very far away, without support when you’re moving from place to place," she stated, emphasizing the emotional toll of the situation.

Bill Given, the town's Chief Administrative Officer, acknowledged the challenges the community faces as they mark this somber occasion. He stated, "We appreciate that this is going to be a difficult time for many people in our community. We want to ensure that they have access to a way to commemorate the events of the past year in a way that’s meaningful, but also that they have an opportunity to look forward to a brighter future."

This week, the Municipality of Jasper will host a series of activities to foster community spirit, including media tours of the reconstruction efforts and public gatherings such as painting workshops and online talking circles for residents affected by the fire. Mayor Richard Ireland is also expected to address the media, providing updates on recovery initiatives.

In terms of recovery efforts, the municipality has reported that 114 properties have been cleared for construction, while 71 remain delayed pending soil-testing for contaminants. Development permits have been issued for 40 fire-impacted homes as well as several commercial properties. Doug Olthof, acting director of the Jasper Recovery Coordination Centre, remarked on the unprecedented level of construction activity anticipated in the coming years, stating, "Jasper has never experienced the level of construction activity that’s going to take place over the next several years."

Despite the signs of recovery, sentiments among residents vary widely. Some, like Oliver Andrew, manager of the historic Astoria Hotel, suggest that the community is emerging stronger than ever, while others express a sense of loss and uncertainty about their future in Jasper. Andrew plans to replace the hotel’s cedar shake roof with a fireproof material, reflecting a shift towards enhancing fire safety in the rebuilding process.

The ongoing recovery is also intertwined with formal reviews of the fire response. Parks Canada is conducting an evaluation of the events and decisions made during the wildfire, while a separate review published by Jasper noted some successes but also highlighted communication issues with the Alberta government. This prompted Premier Danielle Smith to call for a retraction of the report, asserting that her government should not be held accountable for the crisis.

As the anniversary approaches, many residents continue to navigate the complexities of rebuilding their lives. Nancy Addison, currently staying in a cabin at Riding Mountain National Park, is working with a builder to design her new home, which she hopes will be complete in two years. She reflected on her experiences, saying, "I’m learning to live with less. You just don’t need very much to survive. But you do need people, community, and hope."

The one-year commemoration of the devastating wildfire in Jasper serves as a poignant reminder of both the challenges faced and the resilience demonstrated by the community in the face of adversity. The road to recovery is fraught with obstacles, but the spirit of the residents remains unbroken as they strive to rebuild their beloved town.