Local News

“Every single person responding to the Jasper Wildfire Complex is in mourning today for our friend and colleague. The wildland fire community is small and every loss deeply impacts us all.”

With every new disaster, familiar narratives about state-directed arson, lasers, lockdowns, and climate change reignite online.

Decades of highly effective fire suppression in and around national parks have left them more vulnerable to large fires, according to Pierre Martel, the director of national fire management for Parks Canada.

Police said a 24-year-old man has died while fighting the Jasper National Park wildfire.

Evacuees will be able to get updates on the wildfire situation and answers to their questions from the provincial government, Alberta Wildfire and other government officials.

On Friday (Aug. 2), the hot and dry weather helped increase fire behaviour, with the activity picking up around Edith and Annette lakes and on Pyramid Bench. Fire crews and helicopter bucketing quickly suppressed this activity.

“She was there through the darkest days of my life, and I can honestly say I wouldn’t have been here without her.”

Alberta Health Services says nursing staff will remain on-site to provide triage, assessments and referrals to emergency departments in neighbouring communities, as needed.

All residents are invited to register, but priority access will be given to those who have lost their homes.

Eligible residents can receive the free service for up to 12 months and have until Sept. 1 to register.