Cars lined up outside Jasper National Park's east gates on Friday as residents began returning to their community, which they were forced to evacuate last month due to a wildfire. CBC
Residents of Jasper, Alberta, who were evacuated due to a massive wildfire, have begun to return to their town to assess the damage. The wildfire, which began on July 24, led to the evacuation of 25,000 people and destroyed 358 of the town’s 1,113 buildings.
On Friday morning, a long line of vehicles filled with returning residents snaked along Highway 16, leading to the devastated town. The highway was lined with burnt forests, with trees charred black like used matches. A banner reading "Welcome Back" greeted the returning residents, but they were also met with clouds of smoke and the harsh reality of a transformed community.
Residents were warned to brace themselves for the shock of seeing the extensive damage firsthand. Entire neighbourhoods on the southern side of Jasper were wiped out, and services are currently minimal. The rebuild process is expected to take years.
Mike Kertesz, a resident of Jasper for 30 years, was among the first to return. He was anxious to check on his home and those of his relatives. Despite seeing images of the damage, he knew the reality would be more shocking. Kertesz’s home survived the fire, but he acknowledged that many of his neighbours were not as fortunate. "This is our community," he said, "and it's going to look a lot different."
On Friday morning, a fire truck with a Canadian flag greeted residents returning to Jasper. CBC
Clara Adriano, who lost her commercial laundry business to the fire, also returned to survey the damage. Wearing an N95 mask to protect against the rancid smells, she described the emotional impact of seeing the charred remnants of her business and the surrounding areas. Despite the devastation, she expressed a strong desire to rebuild and help her neighbours recover.
Residents are being advised to approach their damaged properties with caution due to risks such as toxic waste and unstable structures. Officials have warned that the smell and sight of the damage will be overwhelming, and no one should count on spending the night in their homes due to ongoing hazards and lack of services.
Vehicles are lined up on Highway 16 between Jasper, Alberta, and Valemount, B.C., following the evacuation order issued for Jasper town and park on July 22, 2024. CBC
The wildfire, which has consumed over 33,000 hectares, continues to burn within Jasper National Park. The town remains under a state of emergency, and residents must be prepared for the possibility of another evacuation.
Mayor Richard Ireland emphasized the emotional toll the fire has taken on the community. "Photographs and images on television cannot convey the sense of loss that will be felt in the hearts of residents when they see their homes and their town again," he said.
Despite the challenges ahead, residents like Adriano remain hopeful and determined to rebuild their community. "This is home," she said. "And I know for a fact that we will come out stronger, together. That's the only way to move forward."
