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UPDATED: Wildfire destroys Maligne Lodge, reaches Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge grounds

A wildfire that has been raging in Jasper National Park for days has reached the townsite, forcing evacuations and causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure including two hotels—the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and the Maligne Lodge.

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Image courtesy of @Lindsay_Warner

The wildfire, which began in the densely forested areas of the park, made its way to the town in the early hours of this morning, driven by strong winds and dry conditions. Residents of Jasper reportedly awoke to an orange glow as flames encroached upon the town. Emergency services quickly issued evacuation orders for several neighbourhoods, including Pyramid Bench and Patricia Lake, as the fire threatened homes and businesses. Local authorities have established evacuation centres at Hinton and Edson to accommodate the displaced residents.

The wildfire, which has already burned over 25,000 hectares, crossed crucial firebreaks overnight, escalating the threat to the townsite. By midday, several structures on the town’s outskirts had caught fire, including the historic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which suffered extensive damage despite the efforts of firefighters.

One of the most significant impacts has been on the Maligne Lodge, owned and operated by Decore Hotels of Edmonton. The lodge, located near the town centre, sustained considerable damage as the flames moved rapidly through the area. Witnesses reported seeing firefighters working tirelessly to save the structure, but several of the lodge's buildings were engulfed in flames before they could be brought under control.

Mayor Richard Ireland addressed the public in a press conference, expressing deep concern for the safety of the town's residents and the integrity of its buildings. "Our priority is to ensure everyone is safe and accounted for. We are working closely with provincial and federal authorities to manage this crisis and will provide support to those affected by this devastating event,” he said.

Firefighters from across Alberta have been deployed to assist in containing the blaze, with aerial support from water bombers and helicopters. However, the challenging terrain and high winds have complicated firefighting efforts, making it difficult to predict when the fire will be brought under control.

In addition to the damage to the Jasper Park Lodge and Maligne Lodge, several other buildings have been affected, including a number of residential homes and small businesses along Connaught Drive and Patricia Street. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but initial reports indicate that at least a dozen structures have been either partially or completely destroyed.

The wildfire's rapid advance has also prompted the closure of major highways leading into Jasper, including the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16), disrupting travel and commerce in the region. Parks Canada has temporarily closed all trails and campgrounds in Jasper National Park as a precautionary measure.

Local residents have shown remarkable resilience in the face of this disaster, with many volunteering to help with evacuation efforts and providing support to their neighbours. The Jasper Food Bank and other community organizations are working to ensure that evacuees have access to essential supplies and shelter.

Environmental experts are already raising concerns about the long-term impact of the wildfire on the region's delicate ecosystem. Jasper National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife and plant species, many of which are now at risk due to the extensive fire damage.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed solidarity with the people of Jasper in a statement earlier today, pledging federal support for firefighting efforts and recovery. "The government of Canada stands with the residents of Jasper during this difficult time. We are committed to providing all necessary resources to combat the wildfire and support the community in its recovery," said Trudeau.

As the situation continues to unfold, residents and visitors to Jasper are urged to stay informed through official channels and heed all evacuation orders and safety advisories.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Maligne Lodge

UPDATE - July 26

July 25th statement from Karyn Decore, president and CEO, Decore Hotels: 

“We are devastated by the fire that ripped through the town of Jasper, destroying so many homes and buildings including our own beloved Maligne Lodge.

“We are so grateful there are no fatalities reported and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the first responders and firefighters working tirelessly to keep people safe and save what they can of the town.

“Like so many other Albertans, I grew up enjoying time in Jasper—hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. My parents bought the Maligne Lodge (then the Diamond Motel) in 1961. When I was old enough, I started cleaning rooms in the summer. When I was 16, my parents let me work at the front desk.

“Over the decades I’ve met countless visitors from near and far who have come to Jasper to experience the gem of the Rockies.

“We are all in shock. We’ve lost landmarks, homes, and businesses. Rebuilding Jasper will be a massive undertaking.

“But for now, as we collect our thoughts, check in with each other and assess the damage to the town, I urge every Albertan, and every Canadian, to try to learn from this tragedy so that we may prevent another wildfire from burning a town to the ground.”

Statement circulated July 26th, Anastasia Martin-Stilwell, regional director, public relations, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts + The Rimrock Banff, Canada’s Western Mountain Collection:

“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the fires in Jasper and across Alberta. Though we are extremely grateful that all our colleagues and guests were safely evacuated, we recognize that so many of our family and community members will return to extreme loss.

“We can confirm that though the hotel did incur fire damage, most of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge structures, including our main lodge, remain standing and intact. While we will need time to assess the full extent of the damage and the timelines required for repair and restoration, we are deeply relieved that much of the property was spared and we will re-open in the future.

“We extend our deepest appreciation to the brave firefighters and local authorities, and send wishes for their continued courage, strength and safety as they continue to battle this extraordinary fire.

“We also commend our Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge management, staff and guests for their swift and orderly evacuation, and the many individuals and organizations who are providing assistance, care and relief to those who have been displaced. We are deeply committed to supporting our colleagues and the Jasper community as we work together to return and rebuild.

“We will provide further updates as they become available.”

For evacuation and the latest emergency response updates:

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