(Alberta Wildfire file photo)

By Government of Alberta

UPDATE 7

Wildfire Recovery Actions: September 5

Sep 5, 2024 | 4:22 PM

Recovery efforts continue to support the return of Jasper residents. The last of the major wildfires, which had previously been out of control, are now classified as either under control or being held.

Recovery task force actions

• The Jasper Recovery Task Force continues to support the development of interim housing options for displaced residents, essential workers and workers to help rebuild Jasper. It is working closely with the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada to determine the best solutions to promote recovery in the area.
• The Municipality of Jasper has requested expressions of interest to provide interim housing options in and around the townsite. The request opens Sept. 5 and closes on Sept. 12.
• To date, almost $13 million has been donated to the Alberta Wildfires Appeal. Donations can still be made through the Canadian Red Cross. Alberta’s government is working with the Canadian Red Cross to determine the best use of those funds, and how they can best serve the people of Jasper.

Eligibility for Emergency Evacuation Payments

• Residents affected by mandatory evacuation orders that exceed a minimum of seven days are eligible for one-time emergency evacuation payments of $1,250 for each adult and $500 for each child under the age of 18.
• Evacuees are encouraged to apply for these emergency payments online at evacuationpayment.alberta.ca, by calling the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 or by visiting an Alberta Supports office for assistance. Locations can be found at alberta.ca/alberta-supports.
• Those in need of immediate emergency financial assistance can contact the Income Support Emergency Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135. The contact centre operates 24/7.
• People who left their home community, but who were not part of a mandatory evacuation order, are not eligible for payment.
• Hotel extensions for Jasper evacuees have concluded. If you require emergency income support, please contact 1-866-644-5135. For other information and support, please call Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992.

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Health care services

• As of Aug. 26, all services at the Seton-Jasper Healthcare Centre have returned to normal operations with all services being provided in the community.
• For information about wildfire-related health resources, including mental health, visit ahs.ca/wildfire.

Schools

• Barring any unforeseen challenges, schools in Jasper will be ready to welcome students back on Sept. 17.
  • Families staying outside Jasper can register their children to attend school in any community by contacting the local school authority.
• Inspections of the school buildings found that there was smoke and ash inside and the air quality was poor. Work to deep clean the schools is currently underway.
• Families are encouraged to contact their school authority for the most up-to-date information on school operations and back-to-school planning:
  • Grande Yellowhead Public School Division
  • Conseil Scolaire Centre-Nord (email jasper@centrenord.ab.ca)

Court services

• The Alberta Court of Justice in Jasper remains closed until further notice.
• Court matters previously scheduled to be heard at the Jasper Courthouse will be heard at the Hinton Courthouse.

Roads and highways status

• Highway 16 is fully open, 24 hours/day. Motorists must proceed directly through the park with no stopping along the highway.
• Highway 93 / Icefields Parkway is open with no stopping along the highway.
• Highway 93A remains closed.
• 511 Alberta is the best source of real time information as conditions change on our highways. Follow on X (formerly known as Twitter) @511alberta.

Mental health and addiction resources

• For residents returning to Jasper:
  • Alberta Health Services is providing mental health supports at the Re-Entry Centre in Jasper, through a mobile unit and at the Jasper Seton Healthcare Centre, as well as at the Reception Centres in Grande Prairie, Edmonton and Calgary.
  • 211 Alberta is also providing in-person navigation support at the Re-Entry Centre in Jasper.
• Mental health and addiction resources are available for Albertans of any age who may be struggling with their mental health or wanting to talk to someone about how they are feeling:
  • Call the AHS Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642 or visit ahs.ca/wildfire.
  • Call 211 or text INFO to 211 or visit ab.211.ca to access digital supports or find local services near you.
    • When calling 211, press 6 for immediate support. If you’re in B.C., dial 211 and say you’re from Alberta.
  • Call Counselling Alberta at 1-833-827-4230 or visit counsellingalberta.com for online counselling services.
  • A French-language mental health help line is also available through TAO Tel-Aide at
    1-800-567-9699.
• Addiction supports are also available:
  • Call the AHS Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322 or Health Link at 811.
  • Call the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program at 1-844-383-7688 for same-day treatment with no fees, no waitlist.

Wildfire situation

• There are 74 wildfires currently burning across Alberta in the Forest Protection Area.
  • 28 are being held and 46 are under control.
• Information about wildfires can be found by visiting the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Fire bans

• There are no fire advisories, restrictions or bans in the Forest Protection Area. Please confirm advisories, restrictions or bans for your area at alberta.ca/fire-bans.

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