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Multiple local fire departments have announced that they have deployed members to Jasper as a devastating wildfire has breached the town.
Carstairs Fire Department shared that they have sent equipment as well as three members to assist in firefighting efforts, adding they picked up a member from the Didsbury Fire Department, driving through the night to reach the town.
"Best of luck and stay safe Lt. Kyle Paulson, Chief Jordan Schaffer, and FF [Firefighter] Austin Harding," the fire department stated in a social media post, early on Thursday morning.
Similarly, The Olds Fire Department also announced on Thursday night, that they too would be sending members. Four members volunteered to join firefighting efforts.
"... And are currently en route to Jasper to provide aid and support to our fellow firefighters and the affected community. Please keep the residents of Jasper and all emergency personnel in your thoughts and prayers."
Beiseker's Fire Department also said that at the request of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, they have sent their fire engine, Engine 130, as well as a crew of five individuals to Jasper, adding that Rapid Response 130 and Tender 130 remain at the station to respond to calls.
In response to questions from Airdrie residents about whether The City of Airdrie would accept evacuees from Jasper, Deputy Mayor and City Councillor Darrell Belyk stated on social media that the city's Emergency Management Department had relayed to him that the request to open a reception center for an evacuated community would come from the Provincial Emergency Coordination Center (PECC).
"This ensures that any reception center operates under provincial guidance and maintains the appropriate records for such an emergency. So far, the PECC has requested the City of Calgary to host a reception center for the evacuees from Jasper, and Airdrie has not been requested," Deputy Mayor Belyk added.
The City of Calgary officials shared on X (formerly Twitter), that, 'the call for help has come in and we are answering.'
"At the request of Alberta Emergency Management Agency, The City has deployed 19 members of Canada Task Force 2 to support in Jasper."
Late on Wednesday evening, Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau stated that the federal government is deploying Canadian Armed Forces resources.
"... Evacuations support, and more emergency wildfire resources to the province immediately — and we’re coordinating firefighting and airlift assistance. Alberta, we’re with you," Prime Minister Trudeau wrote on Facebook.
On Wednesday evening, Jasper Park officials said that significant loss had occurred within the townsite as an out-of-control wildfire had breached the town hours earlier.
"Structural firefighters continue to work to save as many structures as possible and to protect critical infrastructure. Many more structural firefighters are en route to assist. Unfortunately, we can't report on the extent of damage to specific locations or neighbourhoods at this time."
The statement underlined that the day was, an 'exceptionally difficult day for Jasperites, incident personnel and everyone who loves Jasper.'
Officials added that as the pictures and videos circulate, they are sensitive that residents, business owners, visitors, and those with connections to Jasper want to know the state of their homes, businesses, treasures and favourite places.
"Our focus continues to be on saving as many structures as possible. We are grateful for the support, encouragement, care and kind words we have received from all over the country and world."
Parks officials have said that as of 8:30 p.m., air quality had deteriorated to the point that wildland firefighters and others without self-contained breathing apparatuses needed to evacuate to Hinton.
"Structural firefighters remain in town and are working to save as many structures as possible and to protect critical infrastructure, including the wastewater treatment plant, communications facilities, the Trans Mountain Pipeline and others," officials added.
Many additional structural protection resources are en route.
Karyn Decore, President of Decore Hotels did confirm that Maligne Lodge, which she said 'was proudly owned and operated by our family since 1961' was lost in the wildfire.
According to the lodge's website, the building was located at the end of Jasper's Main Street, 'where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site'.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge also confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the wildfire had reached its grounds.
Earlier in the day, officials said that two wildfires were threatening the town. The south wildfire was estimated at 10,800 hectares on Wednesday afternoon, and it was that wildfire that breached the town. The north wildfire was said to have been estimated at 270 hectares and approximately five kilometres from the town of Jasper; that wildfire is located between the Transfer Station and the Jasper Air Strip on both sides of Highway 16.
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