Unless you’re online, you know about the horrific Jasper Fire that occurred at the Jasper Township in Jasper National Park. The midnight evacuation on Wednesday, July 23, 2024, is unimaginable to me. I was shocked at how quickly the fire spread and how little warning people had to pack up and leave. With two highways closed, everyone was directed west into British Columbia — and from there they had to take a detour back to Calgary, Edmonton, or wherever their final destination was.
Many Jasper residents have lost their homes and livelihoods. Visitors’ travel plans have been severely disrupted at their own expense. It is a horrific situation for everyone involved. On a positive note, I want to extend a huge thank you to all the firefighters and ground personnel working so hard in these horrific conditions across Alberta.
Watch the video This photo shows the devastation caused by the fire in Jasper.
What happens next in Jasper?
I can’t speak to what will happen to the City of Jasper or Jasper National Park in the next few days or even years because of the Jasper Fire. But what I can do is compile a list of resources that will be valuable and hopefully answer some of your questions, whether you are a visitor or a resident. I will continue to update this list as I find more resources online.
Stay up to date with the latest fire news in Alberta and British Columbia.
In Alberta Download AB Wildfire Status App On Google Play.
In British Columbia Download British Columbia Fire Service On Google Play. It's an excellent and easy to use app.
For more information about the Jasper Fire, see Canada Forest Fire Location (Where you will learn that schools, the hospital, the emergency services building, the activity center and the sewage treatment center were protected) Jasper National Park Facebook Pagemunicipality Jasper's Facebook Page And Alberta 511 To close roads.
If the Jasper Fire Displaces You
Register as an evacuee: Jasper residents and visitors alike have been sent to faraway places. The first thing you should do is Register as an Evacuee – It is best to pay online. Keep all receipts for gasoline, food and accommodation in case they can be retrieved later.
where to go in calgaryThere is a reception center in: Shouldice Arena Located at 1515 Home Road NW. When you arrive, you will be greeted, asked what you need, and someone will provide you with appropriate support. Available support includes lodging, pet support, RV sites, restrooms, temporary parking, health resources, clothing, and personal hygiene items.
Where to go In EdmontonHead to the Kennedale Building at: 12814 58th StreetThe Red Cross is on site to help you find housing. You will also have access to other services including pet care, food, water, toiletries and clothing.
Where to go in British ColumbiaBC cities are said to be full so you’ll be redirected back to Alberta. This might be fine if you’re a Jasper local, but as a visitor it might make sense to figure out what you’ll do with the rest of your vacation – which will depend on where you’re staying and whether you’re driving or flying.
Free Wi-Fi: Visit libraries in cities and towns for free access to computers and laptops.
Psychological health: If you are a Jasper evacuee, you may have experienced trauma. If you need to talk, call the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642 or Health Link at 811. You can also call 211 for mental health and wellness support.
Get a new job: Check out the bio of Banff Center Instagram AccountThey are making a list of jobs in Banff. With accommodation For evacuees from the Jasper wildfire – and they are hiring themselves.
Emergency registration: Register through MyAlberta Emergency Registration System.
Register with the Red Cross: You will want that. Red Cross Registration So they can contact you while you're away from home. That way”You can contact us for information about Red Cross services and assistance that may be available to them during this difficult time.“
If your travel plans are affected by the Jasper fire and include airlines
Westgate – Visit WestJet website If you are traveling from Grande Prairie or Fort McMurray, fee waivers apply but there may be fees associated with destination or cabin changes.
Air Canada – Air Canada is offering assistance but only for those with tickets to Grande Prairie or Fort McMurray. You can change your flight for free up to two hours before departure. More Detailed information is available here..
porter airlines – from City News ArticleThe company spokesman said,They typically offer passengers the opportunity to postpone flights, rebook flights, or obtain refunds, even if this is not normally available within their fare class.“.”
Forest Fire Insurance
For insurance during the 2024 wildfire season, the Insurance Bureau of Canada has compiled A page worth readingYou can also call 1-844-227-5422 or email AskIBCWest@IBC.ca which covers both the Western and Pacific regions.
Financial Assistance During the Jasper Fire
If you have to evacuate for more than a week — which will be the case for the Jasper fire — both Albertans and temporary foreign workers are eligible for a one-time payment of $1,250 per adult and $500 per child under 18. You can Apply online For the money.
It seems the Jasper fire isn't on their list yet – maybe because it hasn't been a week, but I think it's worth calling. The number is Alberta Support Centre You can call 1-800-644-9992 from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Beware of scams after Jasper fire
If you are directly affected by the Jasper fire, you are working under very stressful conditions and may not be able to think clearly. Don't let anyone take advantage of you. Beware of messages via email and on all social media platforms.
If you're trying to do your best to help financially, read the Better Business Bureau's advice – What to know before donating to a crowdfunding cause.
Learn also How to spot a scamIt is unfortunate that there are people who only think about money – so be careful.
Before you travel anywhere else, check weather, fire and smoke warnings.
For information on air quality and wildfire smoke, visit Environment Canada For current circumstances.
Visit IQ Air For specific pollutants.
Firesmoke.ca Shows you current and future conditions across Canada.
Where can you camp now?
In this section, I will address the Jasper fire tragedy from the perspective of a displaced visitor whose vacation plans were thrown into disarray.
If you have reservations in the front or back areas of Jasper National Park, Parks Canada will refund your money up to August 6, 2024 – At least at this point. They say that once reopening is possible, they will have “To clean all camps and call back evacuated staff.“.”
All accommodations, including camping, will be limited to near Banff and Kananaskis Country, Alberta, and eastern British Columbia. But Alberta and British Columbia are large provinces, so if you're willing to drive a little further, you're sure to have good luck.
Some things you can do to find a campsite After the Jasper Fire
paying off HipcampThey rent them to RV owners and campers with tents all over the country, often for very reasonable fees.
Check the A Complete Guide to Finding Free Campgrounds in Canada Published by Off Track Travel.
For British Columbia, read: How to Camp in British Columbia Without a Reservationagain by Off Track Travel
To read Alberta How to Get Campgrounds Without a Reservation in Alberta Written by me.
For Canadian Gardens Front Area Reservations You can also check out Elk Island National Park, Glacier National Park, Mount Revelstoke, Waterton Lakes, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks. And if you're looking for a place further afield, check out Grasslands and Prince Albert National Parks in Saskatchewan.
There are over 400 parks in Alberta, so you can count on reservations being cancelled on a regular basis. Think again about travelling beyond the Banff Pass. Check out some of Alberta’s southern parks like Castle and Beauvais Lake – where you often don’t need a reservation. You can make a reservation at any time. Online reservations at Alberta Parks.
Check the list Private Camps in Alberta Compiled by Travel Alberta. There are 607 listings!
Visit Travel British Columbia for a list. Private camps.
What can you do now that you've lost your backcountry preserve in Jasper National Park to the Jasper Fire?
paying off How to Go Camping in British Columbia Without a Reservation Written by Happiest Outdoors.
Parks Canada, Alberta Parks, and British Columbia Parks still offer camping in remote areas if you take the time to look. However, you should be prepared to travel a little further than the more popular areas. If there are specific campsites available on specific dates you want—and they’re full— Check out Schnerb While they monitor cancellations.
For Canadian Gardens Remote Area Reservations You may have better luck now with people from far away canceling reservations. Check out Banff, Waterton Lakes, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, as well as Glacier and Mount Revelstoke National Parks. If you're ready to drive to Saskatchewan, you can also check out Prince Albert National Park and Grasslands National Park.
In British Columbia, visit BC Parks Backcountry Campgrounds Page.
To move forward
If you have suggestions on how to help those affected by the Jasper fire, please leave a comment. I will add as appropriate. My heart goes out to all of you who have been affected. It will be a tough road ahead, but there is so much support out there. Be sure to ask for it.
