Canada: Emergency crews responding to wildfires in southern Alberta as of July 25 /update 1

Evacuations are ongoing due to wildfires burning in southern Alberta. The Jasper Wildfire Complex now includes the combined North and South wildfires and the Utopia wildfire near Miette Hot Springs. The complex is burning around 9 km (6 miles) northeast of Jasper and has burned approximately 36,000 hectares (88,957 acres). The Municipality of Jasper declared a State of Emergency due to the wildfire. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for the Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park, affecting tens of thousands of people. Several roads are closed, including Highway 16, eastbound access to Jasper and east of Jasper to the park gates near Hinton, and Highway 93 Icefields Parkway between Kerkeslin Campground and Athabasca Falls.

Reports indicate that potentially 30-50 percent of structures in Jasper have been destroyed, with the most significant structural damage concentrated on the west side of town, southwest of Miette Avenue. All critical infrastructure in Jasper was successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, elementary and junior/senior schools, activity center, and wastewater treatment plant. Several bridges around the town and national park are also damaged, including the Moberly Bridge and the Old Fort Point Bridge. Canadian National Railway and VIA Rail suspended rail operations through Jasper. ATCO Energy Systems turned off the natural gas distribution service to Jasper and isolated the natural gas transmission line at a valve just south of the Athabasca River July 24. Power outages are ongoing in Jasper. The Trans Mountain Pipeline has not sustained damage and continues to operate normally.

The wildfires will likely cause further localized transport disruptions in the region. The status of nearby roads will probably change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate communities due to fire activity and the requirements of response operations. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.