Jasper evacuees will be able to return home on Friday (Aug. 16) after wildfires forced them to evacuate three weeks ago.
The Incident Management Team plans to have the re-entry criteria met by this date, meaning the townsite will have the minimum services needed for residents to safely return.
“We are working hard to ensure residents have a safe and timely return,” Parks Canada stated in an update.
“The return date of August 16 is conditional on achieving and maintaining the re-entry criteria. Increased fire activity or unplanned changes to critical services could impact the re-entry date.”
According to the Municipality of Jasper, the announcement will allow residents to make travel plans and prepare.
The municipality has published a re-entry guide for residents, which will be updated as more details are confirmed.
Trails, campgrounds and day-use areas will not be included in this phase of the re-entry process.
As part of the re-entry criteria, Parks Canada must confirm that the wildfire is no longer an imminent threat to the townsite.
It reported Monday (Aug. 12) that while the Jasper Wildfire Complex remains out of control, the northwest end of the fire that presented a risk to the townsite was now 99 per cent contained or controlled.
In addition, critical services must be restored, a formal re-entry plan must be approved and hazards in the townsite must be secured and mitigated in order for re-entry to occur.
Parks Canada warned that many areas of Jasper National Park still needed to be assessed for safety and would need time to reopen.
Risks in these closed areas include ash pits, reduced air quality, hazardous trees and hazardous waste requiring containment.
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland acknowledged the work of the Incident Command Centre and first responders on the ground.
"We know that the losses to which we return have not fallen equally," he added in a statement. "All have lost, some more greatly than others. We must strive to rise together. As we have been united in tragedy, we must return united in recovery."
Premier Danielle Smith wrote on X that she was relieved, like many Albertans, that Jasper residents will be able to return home soon.
"I recognize Jasperites are eager to go home and begin rebuilding," she wrote. "Thank you for your patience as work continues to complete the restoration of services and ensure the safe return of everyone. Jasper will rebuild and together we will move forward stronger than ever. Stay safe and see you soon, Jasper!"
Like many Albertans, I am relieved that residents of Jasper will be able to return home soon.
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) August 12, 2024
Re-entry to Jasper will begin on Friday, August 16. I recognize Jasperites are eager to go home and begin rebuilding. Thank you for your patience as work continues to complete the… pic.twitter.com/3AWz30vx8l
Updates about re-entry progress can be found on the Municipality of Jasper’s website.
