A pair of announcements were made yesterday (Tuesday, July 30) connected to the wildfire situation in Jasper National Park.
Parks Canada announced all reservations within the park will be cancelled and refunded up to Tuesday, September 3rd. According to the federally run organization when Jasper National Park will reopen is still unknown because the situation is ongoing, and all available resources are responding to the wildfire situation.
“Our priority is the safety and security of response staff, residents, and infrastructure before visitors will be allowed to return,” states the announcement.
As well the Canadian Red Cross announced that starting today one-time support payments of $750 will be distributed to households forced to evacuate because of the Jasper Wildfires. Only one payment will be available per primary residence in Jasper and evacuees need to be registered with the Canadian Red Cross to access the support.
Also, today radio stations across the province, including 106.1 The Goat are taking part in and supporting Alberta Day of Caring for Jasper. Through the province-wide initiative donations made to the Canadian Red Cross will be put towards providing evacuees with humanitarian aid, including financial assistance and relief supplies. On Sunday, the governments of Canada and Alberta announced they will match every dollar donated to the Canadian Red Cross 2024 Alberta Fires Appeal, making $1 worth $3 in support for those affected. Donations to the Canadian Red Cross can be made online.
As of 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 30th the Jasper Wildfire Complex is still classified as out of control. Crews continue to focus on reducing the risk to the Jasper community and critical infrastructure, with Parks Canada officials saying the priority areas are the perimeter of the fire closest to the north end of the townsite, Pyramid Bench, and south of Pyramid Lake, near Marmot Basin.
Yesterday temperatures reached 26°C with wind gusts up to 30 km/h, with some growth being seen on the southernmost end of the fire along the Icefields Parkway. Temperatures today are forecasted to be similar, which could increase wildfire behaviour.
In the community of Jasper, parts of the town that were not touched by the wildfire are now seeing a risk of trees falling. According to Parks Canada, complete assessments need to be done on any dangerous trees before they are removed.
Power is being restored to key areas of the town. Yesterday, the buildings the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada operations are based out of were reconnected to power.
Written by: Kassandra Patterson – Vista Radio
