By Canadian Press

Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out

Jul 25, 2024 | 2:03 AM

JASPER, ALTA. — Alberta’s Jasper National Park and its townsite are under siege from two wind-whipped wildfires.

One raced into the picturesque community last night, causing extensive damage.

Parks Canada says there are significant losses in the town, and the social media account for Fairmont’s famous Jasper Park Lodge says the flames reached the hotel’s grounds.

Photos on social media show lodges and other buildings wrapped in sheets of orange flame.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau approved Alberta Forestry Minister Todd Loewen’s request for help from the Canadian military.

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Loewen asked for firefighting resources, aerial support to move wildfire crews and equipment and more.

As the fire burned, the air quality dropped to dangerous levels, prompting fire crews without breathing apparatus to flee to the nearby community of Hinton.

But Parks Canada says structural firefighters remained in town and were working to save as many buildings as possible.

The postcard-perfect mountain town is famous for hiking, skiing, kayaking and biking.

It is also home to dozens of species such as elk, mountain goats, cougars, lynx, black bears and grizzly bears.

The United Nations designated the parks that make up the Canadian Rockies, including Jasper, a World Heritage Site in 1984.

(The Canadian Press)