Jasper resident tours pushed back to Monday

Tours of wildfire damage in the Jasper townsite on Sunday were pushed back one day because of a wildland firefighter's death.

Tours of wildfire damage in the Jasper townsite on Sunday were pushed back one day because of a wildland firefighter's death.

The 24-year-old Calgary man who worked at the Rocky Mountain House Fire Base died Saturday after he was injured by a falling tree.

"Personally, as father and grandfather, the loss of a young firefighter is hard to bear," Alberta's forestry and parks minister, Todd Loewen, said during the provincial wildfire update Sunday afternoon.

"I know that I speak unanimously for my caucus colleagues in sending heartfelt sympathies to this courageous young man's family and friends. I want to recognize his unwavering commitment to protecting our communities. This will never be forgotten."

Officials said tour participants should have been notified of the cancellation Saturday night and that the government was trying to get everyone originally scheduled for a tour on Sunday moved to Monday.

"I know this is disappointing for many Jasper evacuees who were hoping to see their homes today, but the fire situation is also too unpredictable today. We are planning to begin the bus tours tomorrow, pending fire conditions," Loewen said.

Jasper residents and business owners have not yet seen in person the damage caused by a wildfire that breached the town on July 24 and burned down about 30 per cent of its buildings.