Jasper, Alta., evacuees could load bus tours as early as Sunday, officials say

Some Jasper, Alta., evacuees could load on buses as early as Sunday to see for the first time the devastation wrought by an immense wildfire, government officials said Saturday.

On Friday, the government opened up registrations for the tour to residents, giving priority to those whose homes were destroyed or damaged, but did not provide a date as to when they would occur.

Provincial emergency officials hosted a virtual news conference Saturday afternoon, during which they announced those tours would begin Sunday if fire conditions allow.

"We know returning to the community for the first time can be very difficult for residents," said Joe Zatylny, deputy managing director of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency.

"This will be a case-by-case, resident-by-resident choice. So if the residents say, 'Tomorrow doesn't work,' we will continue with tours as long as they're needed."

Officials estimate that 358 of the 1,113 total structures in Jasper, Alta., a town about 365 kilometres west of Edmonton, were destroyed in the recent wildfire. The municipality released a map and list of addresses that showed most of the destruction was in west Jasper and south of Miette Avenue.

The map and the list were based on what was visible from the street. Further damage assessments would have to be conducted to determine the full toll of the wildfire, which officials described as a monster, its flames reaching more than 100 metres high when it hit Jasper the evening of July 24.

The tours are open to all evacuees, Zatylny said, but priority will be given to people whose homes were damaged or destroyed. Those who sign up will not be allowed off the bus.

If conditions are safe enough, tours will leave from Edmonton and Hinton, Alta., a town east of Jasper National Park, Zatylny said.

The Jasper Wildfire Complex, a group of fires in the national park, has burned about 32,000 hectares and is still out of control, said Parks Canada deputy incident commander Dean MacDonald on Saturday.

Those fires are among 119 total wildfires burning throughout the province as of 3:15 p.m. MT, according to the Alberta Wildfire dashboard.

An evacuation order has been given for Saddle Hills County, an area about 70 kilometres northwest of Grande Prairie, Alta.

The order, issued just before 5:30 p.m. MT on Saturday, says a wildfire is burning in the Gordondale area south of Highway 49. All residents and visitors in the area south of Range Road 70, east of Range Road 103, west of Range Road 111, and as far south as the County of Grande Prairie border, are required to evacuate immediately. 

An emergency centre has been set up at the Gordondale Hall. Evacuees are advised to take important documentation, medications and medical equipment, and any necessary items for up to 72 hours.

Fighting Jasper wildfire continues

Dry, hot weather led to increased fire activity in the national park Friday, especially in the Maligne Valley, where crews haven't been working, according to a Facebook post from Jasper National Park Saturday afternoon.

Firefighters and aircraft were able to suppress growing intensity in places like Edith and Annette Lakes, as well as Pyramid Bench, the post said.

Park officials expect similar fire conditions Saturday, the post said.

In the meantime, clean-up continues in the townsite, Jasper fire Chief Mathew Conte said during a separate virtual news conference Saturday morning.

Crews have fenced off about 80 per cent of destroyed and damaged properties, but that work should be finished Saturday, Conte said. All damaged trees, which are a fall risk, are expected to be taken down Saturday.

Utility crews are ensuring the town's hydrant system and water pressure were maintained, he said. On Friday, they completed flushing in north Jasper.

Water samples have been collected and sent to the provincial government for testing, ensuring the local water is potable, he said. Results are expected to return Tuesday.

The wastewater treatment plant is operating, Conte said. It did not sustain any damage and it is running normally.