Jasper National Park in Canada Closed Indefinitely Due to Severe Wildfires

Rapidly spreading wildfires that ignited in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, last week have led to the indefinite closure of the protected area, affecting the city of Jasper, destroying businesses, and forcing both residents and visitors to evacuate.

“This emergency developed swiftly from the initial report of a wildfire northeast of Jasper on the evening of Monday, July 22, shortly after 7 p.m., to a second fire south of town soon after,” the municipality of Jasper posted on social media. “Within 48 hours, the fires had reached the town.”

Approximately 25,000 individuals were involved in the evacuation, including 20,000 tourists in the park or town, while the remaining were local residents, stated Stephen Lacroix from the Alberta Emergency Management Agency during a press conference on Tuesday, July 23.

Although no immediate injuries have been reported, significant damage has occurred in the historic townsite. A widely shared video on social media on Thursday displayed burned rubble and charred trees; in the background, someone could be heard saying, “That’s Mom and Dad’s house.” While the complete extent of the damage remains uncertain, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith mentioned in a press conference that 30 to 50 percent of Jasper’s buildings could be at risk of destruction.

“We’re uncertain about which specific structures have been impacted and which ones have been lost, but a substantial rebuilding effort will be necessary,” Smith stated.

In the coming days, over 400 additional firefighters from across the globe will join the teams already combating the blaze in Jasper. While the park received some rainfall overnight, officials report that the fire remains unpredictable and out of control, with flames reaching heights of 400 feet and spreading at a rate of about 50 feet per minute.

As per the British Columbia Wildfire Service, the area has experienced over 58,000 lightning strikes in the past week, igniting the dry conditions after a three-week heatwave. It remains unclear whether other sources have contributed to the wildfires.

Canada's largest national park, Jasper, was designated a World Heritage Site in 1984. Famous for its expansive ice fields, turquoise glacial lakes, exceptional hiking trails, and famously dark skies, it stands as one of the country's top tourist destinations, attracting around 2.5 million visitors each year.

Founded in 1813, the town serves as the primary hub for park visitors. Numerous hotels, lodges, restaurants, tour operators, and shops enhance the visitor experience. It remains uncertain how much of the community will survive once the fires are extinguished.

In light of the wildfires, Parks Canada has canceled reservations for over 2,000 individual campsites and 90 backcountry campgrounds in Jasper National Park until at least August 6. Those affected have already received or will receive refunds. There is no estimated reopening date as the fires continue to burn and the sites will need to be cleaned after they are extinguished, since most visitors evacuated quickly.

The Canadian National Railway and Via Rail Canada, the two national train operators, have halted service in the area and begun issuing refunds, citing safety concerns regarding operations.

Air Canada and WestJet have announced that customers affected by the Jasper evacuations can rebook or cancel their tickets without incurring additional fees for travel until July 28.

For those wishing to assist, the Jasper Community Team Society, a local registered nonprofit organization, has established a donations page.