Fire crews take advantage of cooler weather in battling Jasper wildfires

The Canadian Armed Forces have now set up camp in Hinton, located on the edge of the national park, to provide extra assistance.

Cool and wet weather continued to help crews battling the wildfires in Jasper National Park in western Alberta.

A statement posted to X late Friday night said fire crews were taking advantage of the conditions to make progress on addressing hot spots in smouldering buildings.

The same statement also noted crews were also working to control hot spots along the wildfire perimeter nearest the Jasper townsite.

The Canadian Armed Forces have now set up camp in Hinton, located on the edge of the national park, to provide extra assistance.

This comes after Parks Canada estimated 30 per cent had been damaged by the wildfire, with 358 of the 1113 structures in the town of Jasper being destroyed.

The structures were homes and businesses. Much of the damage was contained to the west side of town.

Premier Danielle Smith said critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and water treatment services, remain intact.

Among the properties affected include the well-known Maligne Lodge, and the mayor of Jasper’s home.