Residents of Jasper to Return Home After Wildfire Evacuation

EDMONTON, Alberta – Approximately 5,000 residents of Jasper, a resort town in the Canadian Rockies, are set to return home on Friday following a wildfire evacuation. Mayor Richard Ireland announced that while essential services have been restored, residents should brace for a “new normal” as the community begins to recover from the devastating impact of the fires. On July 22, around 25,000 individuals evacuated as flames approached, leading to the destruction of one-third of the town’s buildings just two days later. Despite the significant damage, key infrastructure, including schools and the water treatment plant, remained intact. However, officials caution that utility services may still be unreliable, with some homes potentially suffering from hidden smoke or water damage. Certain properties may also be deemed public safety hazards and fenced off. The main highway through Jasper National Park, Highway 16, has reopened, but many park facilities, including trails and campgrounds, remain closed for safety assessments. As the community prepares for re-entry, challenges persist. Local officials are working to determine arrangements for students returning to school, as hospital services are not yet fully operational. Additionally, garbage collection plans are still in development, and parts of Jasper are under a boil water advisory. Amid these uncertainties, residents like Victoria Wilson express eagerness to return home, albeit with some apprehension about the conditions they will find.