'Heartfelt condolences': Jasper officials release map of damaged homes, businesses

The Municipality of Jasper has released its initial map of structures that were damaged after a wildfire tore through the town last week.

On Friday, officials said the damage was estimated at 30% of the 1,113 structures.

That means about 358 structures were destroyed or damaged by the fire.

“I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to everyone who experienced losses. We are here to support the entire community of Jasper,” said Alan Fehr, Jasper field unit superintendent in an update provided Saturday night.

“Our thoughts are with you, your families, and all residents and business operators during this incredibly difficult time.”

A timeline for re-entry is not yet available.

The Municipality of Jasper says it remains an evolving emergency situation and firefighters need space to do their jobs safely.

“At this time, it is not possible for residents to return to Jasper to view their property or collect belongings. The town site is not safe,” the municipality says.

“The chemicals released by structural fire are a serious health risk. There is still an active wildfire on the perimeter of the town.”

Parks Canada officials urge all those who have lost a home or were evacuated to visit the municipality's website for more information, to view the map of damaged structures and to access available mental health resources.

Due to the urgent nature of last Monday’s community-wide evacuation, officials say some pets were left behind. A total of 15 animals have been rescued and transported to the Hinton & District SPCA.

On Thursday, the officials said critical infrastructure like the hospital, emergency services building, schools, the activity centre, the wastewater treatment plant and the Jasper Park Lodge had been protected.

As predicted by Parks Canada early Saturday morning, all visible structural hotspots within the townsite were extinguished as of Saturday evening.\

The wildfire remains out of control, however, and is expected to become more active as warmer weather moves into the area and firefighters are still patrolling for any fire activity.

Now that most of the hotspots in town have been extinguished, crews are relocating structural protection sprinklers from previously burned areas to the active fire perimeter to protect areas adjacent to the community and “outlying” structures.

“An early morning infrared scan of the town will be done overnight to provide firefighters with the GPS coordinates of any hidden hot spots to put out,” officials explain.

According to the latest update, a night vision helicopter has been requested from Alberta Wildfire.

The night vision helicopter will allow for bucketing to happen overnight when wildfire activity is lower and will provide real-time information about the status of the fire.

Heavy equipment is preparing protection lines around the north end of the community and to limit spread to the west of the community.