The County of Vermilion River Protective Services has received high praise from Parks Canada for its swift and skilled response to the Jasper Wildfire in 2024. A letter of commendation from Parks Canada recognized the County’s rapid mobilization of crews and equipment, which helped defend the Town of Jasper from the advancing wildfire.
Commemorative coins
Within hours of notification, County firefighters were deployed to assist in suppression efforts. In appreciation, Parks Canada has issued commemorative coins to all personnel who supported the operation.
“The coins reflect Parks Canada’s appreciation for your invaluable contribution and honour your collective sense of camaraderie and teamwork,” said Ron Hallman, Jasper National Park.
The team that held the line in Jasper included:
- Fire Chief Ron Miskie (Marwayne)
- Captain Martha Spinks (Islay) – Crew Chief
- Captain Tyler Wilson (Paradise Valley) – Crew Chief
- Captain Wyatt Roberts (Islay)
- Lieutenant Kyle Bergquist (Paradise Valley) – Crew Chief
- Firefighter/EVT Wayne Roach (Vermilion)
- Firefighter Matthew Sunderland (Paradise Valley)
- Firefighter Mick MacDonald (Clandonald)
- Firefighter Paul Conlon (Vermilion)
- Firefighter Cody St. Germain (Paradise Valley)
- Firefighter Tyler Coates-Lingley (Vermilion)
Support Personnel:
- County Fire Chief Kirk Hughes
- Protective Services Operations Officer Austin Armitage
Partner agencies: Lakeland College – Emergency Training Centre
- Captain Lyle Lawrence (Clandonald) – Instructor
- Captain Bryce Lytle (Vermilion) – Instructor
Administration:
- Protective Services Coordinator Jolene Levesque
This recognition highlights the dedication and professionalism of fire departments across the County, including:
- Blackfoot Fire & Rescue
- Clandonald Fire
- Dewberry Fire & Rescue
- Islay Fire
- Kitscoty Fire Department
- Marwayne Fire
- Paradise Valley Fire Department
- Vermilion Fire & Rescue Society
“The collaboration, expertise and resources made available by you and your team were crucial to the overall response and we are immensely grateful for your support,” noted Hallman in the Parks Canada commendation.
The County of Vermilion River extends its gratitude to all members who answered the call and contributed to protecting lives and property during the Jasper Wildfire.
Cost of damages
The Jasper wildfires were the second costliest in Canadian history, behind the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016.
In January, Insurance Business Canada reported total insured losses of C$1.23 billion. The wires raged from between July 22 and August 17, 2024.
