Jasper fire caused $880M in insured damage, says Insurance Bureau of Canada

A destructive wildfire that tore through Jasper National Park this summer and destroyed a third of the community caused $880 million in insured damage, says the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

During a presentation to Jasper council this week, Rob de Pruis with the IBC said the Jasper wildfire is now the ninth most costly insured event in Canada's history.

It is also the second most expensive wildfire in Alberta’s history in insured losses.

The intense wildfire, which started July 22, moved very quickly and triggered a massive, late-night evacuation of the entire township.

Two days later, the fire became so intense that a majority of firefighters and other first responders were temporarily evacuated to the nearby town of Hinton.

Four days after the fire roared into the town, officials confirmed that the damage was estimated at around 30% of the 1,113 structures, which means nearly 360 structures were damaged.

Pictures shared on Aug. 1 by Parks Canada showed the heartbreaking amount of damage.

“For thousands of residents in Jasper, this has been a time of hardship and heartbreak — homes and businesses lost, lives uprooted and an iconic community forever changed,” said Aaron Sutherland, vice-president of Pacific and Western IBC, in a statement.

“Alberta’s insurers have been on the ground assisting customers with financial support and beginning the recovery process. Rebuilding will take time, and our industry will support the community every step of the way.”

The Jasper wildfire was one of several major disasters that happened across Canada during a six-week period this summer.

The IBC said insurers are also working to support people impacted by the Calgary hailstorm on Aug. 5 and major flooding that happened in Ontario and Quebec in late July but there is limited capacity amid the immense pressure.

The wildfire was held on Aug. 17 and recovery in Jasper is ongoing with water disinfection work happening, ongoing housing support, community clean ups and more.

“Now is the time that we begin to demonstrate our resolve, our commitment, our character. Now is the time to prove to ourselves, and to the world, that our will is stronger than a once-in-a-century wildfire,” said Richard Ireland, mayor of Jasper, in a statement to the community.