Edmonton, AB – Premier Danielle Smith, alongside Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis, and officials from Alberta Wildfire, convened a press conference to provide an urgent update on the devastating wildfire situation engulfing Jasper. The briefing highlighted the extensive damage, ongoing firefighting efforts, and support measures for affected residents.
Premier Smith addressed the heart-wrenching impact of the wildfire on Jasper. “There is no denying that this is the worst nightmare for any community,” she said, reflecting on the overwhelming sense of loss, fear, and loneliness faced by the residents. Jasper, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, has become a scene of devastation as homes and businesses have been consumed by what has been described as a “wall of flames.”
Smith assured the residents that they are not alone in this crisis. “Albertans are with you,” she affirmed, emphasizing the province’s commitment to standing by the community through the recovery process. She also expressed deep gratitude to the firefighters working under perilous conditions to protect critical infrastructure in the town.
Minister Ellis followed Premier Smith, stressing the coordinated efforts between various agencies. “The Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada are in unified command for this wildfire response,” he said, detailing the collaborative approach taken to manage the situation. Ellis highlighted the mobilization of structural firefighters from Hinton, Edmonton, and 32 other municipalities, as well as support from industrial firefighters and Lakeland College.
The provincial Emergency Coordination Center has been activated to level four, ensuring full coordination across government ministries. Alberta Health Services safely evacuated patients from the area, including acute care patients and designated support living residents, to facilities in Edson and Hinton. Reception centers in Grand Prairie, Calgary, and Edmonton have been providing evacuees with food, shelter, and mental health support.
Minister Loewen conveyed the gravity of the situation, noting that the wildfire had reached Jasper townsite late Wednesday afternoon. “The images we’re seeing out of Jasper are devastating, and my heart goes out to the community,” he said, acknowledging the emotional toll on residents and visitors alike. Loewen praised the bravery of the firefighters and emergency responders, whose efforts have prevented further devastation.
The Alberta government has deployed extensive resources to support Parks Canada’s firefighting operations, including firefighters, support personnel, water trucks, dozers, helicopters, and air tankers. An incident management team has also been sent to assess the situation and provide additional support as needed.
The conference underscored the importance of federal and international cooperation in addressing the wildfire crisis. Loewen thanked the federal government for its prompt response, including the deployment of Canadian Armed Forces personnel. Alberta is also receiving support from international partners, with firefighters from Australia, Mexico, South Africa, and New Zealand joining the efforts.
Christie Tucker from Alberta Wildfire provided an update on the current wildfire statistics, revealing that 176 wildfires are burning in Alberta’s forest protection area, with 54 out of control. The northeastern and southern parts of the province remain at extreme risk due to ongoing dry conditions and strong winds. “The loss in Jasper is felt by everyone in the wildfire family, as it is by all Albertans,” Tucker said, emphasizing the continued commitment of nearly 1,900 firefighters and support staff working across the province.
Premier Smith reiterated the need for a unified command structure to enhance coordination between provincial and federal resources. “We hope to hear a positive response from Parks Canada on this,” she said, outlining the benefits of integrating provincial resources, such as unmanned aerial vehicles with infrared capabilities, night vision-equipped helicopters, and urban wildfire interface systems, into the overall firefighting strategy.
Smith also highlighted the ongoing communication with federal counterparts, including Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc and Minister of Emergency Preparedness Harjit Sajjan. The aim is to streamline efforts and ensure that all available resources are utilized effectively to combat the wildfire and support the affected communities.
Minister Ellis and Minister Loewen concluded the briefing by urging Albertans to continue supporting each other during this challenging time. They emphasized the importance of following local advisories and evacuation orders to ensure safety and aid in the firefighting efforts.
Ellis announced the availability of one-time financial assistance for evacuees who have been displaced for more than seven days, with eligible individuals receiving $1,250 per adult and $500 per child. He also encouraged evacuees to register online to access resources and stay informed about reentry plans.
The provincial government remains committed to providing daily updates on the wildfire situation and continuing support for the recovery and rebuilding of Jasper. “The magic of Jasper is not lost, and it never will be,” Smith assured, expressing confidence in the community’s resilience and the collective efforts to restore one of Alberta’s most cherished regions.
During the media Q&A session, Premier Smith, Minister Lowen, and Minister Ellis, among others, provided detailed responses to questions concerning emergency response, support for affected residents, and future mitigation strategies.
Immediate Support and Long-term Recovery
Premier Smith emphasized the immediate need for emergency support, including accommodations, food, and evacuation services. She acknowledged the uncertainty many residents face regarding the fate of their homes and the long-term displacement they may endure. The government is committed to working with insurance companies to ensure that residents receive the necessary support payments.
Minister Ellis added that while the province is still actively fighting fires, there will be continuous meetings of the emergency management committee to plan for recovery. The exact number of displaced residents and the extent of structural damage are still being assessed, making it premature to develop a comprehensive housing plan for those affected.
Nighttime Firefighting Capabilities
A key point of discussion was Alberta’s capacity to fight fires at night using helicopters and water bombers equipped with night vision technology. Premier Smith highlighted that this approach, initiated last year, has been effective in containing fires before they grow out of control. Minister Lowen explained that while Parks Canada makes specific equipment requests, Alberta has provided all requested resources, including night vision-enabled helicopters.
Christie Tucker noted that despite the availability of this technology, extreme weather conditions can sometimes prevent its use. Such was the case with the recent fire in Jasper, where smoke and weather impeded the operation of night vision helicopters.
Investigation and Post-mortem Analysis
In response to inquiries about a potential investigation into the causes and management of the wildfire, Premier Smith proposed a joint inquiry with federal participation. She mentioned that recent legislation allows the province to intervene in municipal emergencies, suggesting a need for integrated command structures from the onset of such crises. Minister Ellis echoed the need for better collaboration with federal agencies to enhance preparedness and response strategies.
Funding and Resource Allocation
Addressing concerns about budget cuts to Alberta’s wildfire fighting capabilities, Premier Smith detailed the significant increase in funding for wildfire management in recent years. The firefighting budget was boosted by 50% for the 2023-24 fiscal year, reflecting the government’s recognition of the need for enhanced resources and equipment. A contingency fund of $2 billion has been established to ensure financial readiness for disaster response and recovery.
Federal and Military Assistance
The discussion also covered the role of the Canadian Armed Forces in supporting Alberta’s wildfire efforts. Premier Smith outlined the various resources requested from the military, including firefighting personnel, equipment, and strategic airlift capabilities for evacuations. Brigadier General Reid Rutland is coordinating with Alberta wildfire officials to determine the optimal deployment of military resources.
As Alberta grapples with this unprecedented wildfire crisis, the unified efforts of local, provincial, federal, and international partners remain crucial in protecting lives, property, and the natural beauty of Jasper. The government and the people of Alberta stand together in solidarity, committed to overcoming this challenge and emerging stronger than ever.