A historic Rocky Mountain ski resort has been devastated by a 100-metre-high “monster” wildfire that has reduced 50 per cent of the nearest town to ashes.
The popular tourist destination of Jasper in the Canadian province of Alberta was rocked by the inferno – which even reached a luxury hotel that was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II.
While the town has only 5,000 permanent residents, 25,000 people fled overnight as flames rose higher than treetops and destroyed up to half of its structures, authorities said Thursday.
No injuries were immediately reported following a mass evacuation of the scenic resort town and a nearby national park earlier in the week, but Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland said in a letter on the town’s website that the wildfire “has ravaged our beloved community.”
“The destruction and loss that many of you are facing and feeling is beyond description and understanding. My deepest condolences go out to each and every one of you,” he said.
A historic ski resort in the Rocky Mountains has been devastated by a 100-metre-high “monster” wildfire that has reduced 50 per cent of the nearest town to ashes.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said 30 to 50 per cent of the city’s structures are potentially damaged or destroyed, requiring “significant rebuilding and significant relocation.”
Mrs Smith was in tears as she spoke of the beauty of Jasper, which many tourists visit for activities such as hiking, skiing, kayaking and biking.
The fire was also confirmed to have spread to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a century-old retreat beloved by the royal family.
The late Queen and Prince Philip stayed at the hotel in 2005, almost 70 years after Princess Margaret, King George VI and his daughter, the future monarch, were guests there in 1936.
The hotel said it was “uncertain of the extent of the damage” caused by the fire.
Jasper is also famous for its diverse wildlife, home to animals such as elk, mountain goats, cougars, lynx, black bears and grizzly bears.
At a news conference in Edmonton, Alberta, where she pledged her government’s support in rebuilding the community, Smith added: “We share the sense of loss with everyone who lives in the city.”
Parks Canada officials later said all critical infrastructure was protected, including the hospital, schools and the wastewater treatment plant.
The most significant structural damage is concentrated on the west side of the city. Some bridges around the city and throughout the park have been damaged.
An aerial photo shows wildfire smoke rising over Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, July 24, 2024
Smoke rises as wildfires continue to spread in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada, July 24, 2024
The popular tourist destination of Jasper in the Canadian province of Alberta has been rocked by the inferno
Jasper and neighboring Jasper National Park were threatened by wildfires from the north and south, forcing residents and visitors to flee at short notice Monday and Tuesday when the fires broke out.
One of the fires spread to the southern edge of the community Wednesday night as firefighters tried to contain the damage.
Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis said a gust of wind moved the wildfire about five kilometres (about three miles) in probably less than 30 minutes toward the town with a wall of fire he estimated to be 100 metres high.
“People have to imagine what those people went through at that time. Any firefighter will tell you there’s almost nothing you can do when you have a wall of fire like that coming at you,” Ellis said. “No one anticipated the fire would come so quickly and so widely.”
Pierre Martel, director of fire management at Parks Canada, said lightning, winds and dry conditions caused the fire to spread rapidly Monday and flames were above treetops when it entered the town Wednesday.
“At this point, it’s a monster. We don’t have any tools in our toolbox to deal with this at this point. You step aside, you step back,” he said.
In a message posted on X, formerly Twitter, Parks Canada said no injuries had been reported.
“Approximately 25,000 people have been safely evacuated from the town of Jasper and Jasper National Park. All residents, visitors and responders are safe,” he added.
Annelies Lagger, owner and resident of the Austrian Haven B&B for 30 years, said she was still waiting to hear whether her home and business were destroyed after she fled with her pets — 13 cats and a dog.
The fire was also confirmed to have spread to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a century-old retreat beloved by the royal family.
The late Queen and Prince Philip stayed at the hotel in 2005, almost 70 years after Princess Margaret, King George VI and his daughter, the future monarch, were guests there in 1936.
Ms Lagger said: “I have no idea where I’m going now. Heaven or hell. This was my life. You can imagine the work that was,” she said. “I think I’m in shock.”
She said the homes of her relatives, including her daughter and son-in-law, had been destroyed.
“It was the heat that dried everything out. And now the city has disappeared,” she added.
Lagger was staying with a stranger in Valemount, B.C., but she said she will eventually have to find new homes for her family members and “for my animals.”
“I am a very tough woman. No matter what happens, I start again even though I am 82 years old,” she continued.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his administration has approved Alberta’s request for federal assistance, including military resources.
Considered a national treasure, Jasper National Park was designated a World Heritage Site in 1984 for its striking mountain scenery, which is part of the Canadian Rockies.
The wildfire comes as Alberta has been hit by scorching temperatures that have already forced 7,500 more people from remote communities.
Considered a national treasure, Jasper National Park was designated a World Heritage Site in 1984.
Jasper is also famous for its diverse wildlife, home to animals such as elk, mountain goats, cougars, lynx, black bears and grizzly bears.
About 176 wildfires are raging in the province, 54 of which are out of control.
Alberta Forests and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said many of the fires are caused by lightning, while Alberta wildfire spokeswoman Christie Tucker said firefighters expect high winds to increase the danger level.
Tucker said hundreds of firefighters from Australia, Mexico, New Zealand and South Africa are arriving to help fight wildfires across the province.
A record number of wildfires in 2023 have forced more than 235,000 people to evacuate in Canada and sent thick smoke to parts of the United States, causing hazy skies and health advisories in several American cities.
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