As of August 25 2024, Jasper National Park and the township of Jasper remain closed to all but residents and business owners as the popular area tries to recover from the devastating lightning fire that began around 7:00 PM on the evening of July 22.
It is guessed that the fire that tore through the townsite burning between 30- 50% of the towns' buildings resulted from the drought like conditions being ignited by lightning.
Residents and visitors were advised only around 2 hrs later....around 9:00PM, that the fire was out of control and evacuations might become necessary. This proved true as an evacuation order covering the town and park was sent out at 10PM.
The fire which raged through almost 123 square miles, caused not only the Park & town, but Highway 16 to be closed.
While Hwy 16 has now been reopened, Lake Annette, Lake Edith Road, & Old Fort Point Road are closed.
For more information on access to or through the park, township and surrounding areas, go to parks.canada.ca.