The remains of the historic Jasper Anglican Church in Jasper, Alta., on Friday July 26, 2024. Some residents of the Municipality of Jasper returned to their homes today after a massive wildfire suddenly forced them out more than three weeks ago. (Photo: Canadian Press)

By Canadian Press

Residents in Jasper, Alta., begin returning to homes following devastating wildfire

Aug 16, 2024 | 8:40 AM

Residents of the Rocky Mountain tourist town of Jasper have begun returning to their homes more than three weeks after a wildfire forced them out and torched one-third of all town buildings.

Cars, trucks and recreational vehicles were winding their way along the highway through Jasper National Park to the spot where the road branches off into the town.

At that point, Mounties were stopping vehicles and only those who live in the community were being allowed to return.

Park and town officials say they want to give residents time and privacy to assess the damage to their homes and businesses before visitors return, and no time has been set for full access to the community.

The return comes 25 days after wildfires cut road access and forced the town’s 5,000 residents, along with about 20,000 park visitors, to flee west into B.C. on the night of July 22 in darkness, soot and smoke haze.

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Two days later, the fire overwhelmed crews and hit the town, destroying 358 buildings, most of them businesses and homes, leaving the remaining two-thirds of the town either untouched or damaged by smoke, soot and water.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 16, 2024.

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