Natural Heritage Devastated by Fire in Jasper National Park

Jasper is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of 15 World Heritage Sites in Canada. The park comprises rough-and-tumble mountains, valleys, glaciers, forests, alpine meadows, and rivers along the eastern slopes of the Rockies in western Alberta. More than 615 miles (990 kilometers) of hiking trails offer day and overnight trips.

A wildfire in Jasper in July 2024 was classified as the largest in 100 years. Designated the “Jasper Complex Wildfire,” the wildfire reached a size of approximately 32,000 hectares. This large burned area highlights the potential severity of damage within the national park. Approximately 25,000 people were evacuated due to the fire, which at its height had a 100 m (330 ft) wall of flames.

The fire was classified as “out of control” until at least July 27, 2024, indicating a prolonged fire with the potential to cause significant damage.

Efforts to contain and suppress the fire continued for several days, with crews focused on protecting “priority areas” and establishing containment lines. This implies that the fire posed a threat and exceptional efforts were deployed to mitigate further damage.

Campground and lodging reservations have been canceled through August 6, 2024, suggesting damage or threat to park campgrounds and facilities. The closure of Jasper National Park along the Icefields Parkway further highlights the disruption caused by the fire, impacting visitor access and park operations.