Residents of the town of Jasper, Alberta are being allowed to return to their homes today to assess damage after out-of-control wildfires ripped through the town forcing an evacuation nearly four weeks ago.
Authorities at the time said up to 50% of buildings in the town of 4,700 people had been damaged or destroyed.
On Tuesday the town published a map showing much of the southwest side heavily damaged.
“It’s more about a reconnaissance mission almost, if you will, to go see what’s there,” said Christine Nadon, incident commander with the municipality of Jasper, national broadcaster CBC reports.
“You might be able to stay, but you might not,” she said, adding that residents shouldn’t assume they will want to spend the night even if their homes are intact.
Many buildings still standing were severely damaged by the smoke and flames, she said.
“The state of Jasper is very different now,” the town said in its re-entry guide to residents. “The process of returning may be intense.”
A re-entry support centre will be open from 7am to 7pm.
Travel into and out of the town will be allowed between 7am and 9pm, with police checkpoints ensuring only residents and authorised personnel enter.
Parks Canada released images of damage to buildings to help prepare residents, but the town warned returning residents to be ready.
“The photos you have seen will not prepare you for the smell,” it said.
“Depending on the wind direction, the smell of smoke in town can be overwhelming. Be prepared with N95 masks.”
“Things from your balcony or porch may be on the lawn or pavement,” it added.
“First responders moved these things following the evacuation order to reduce combustibles next to homes.”
Yesterday, authorities said the wildfire in surrounding Jasper National Park was still classified as out of control, covering an area of around 33,048 hectares, but crews were able to protect the town’s northwest perimeter.
Today’s return is authorised under an Evacuation Alert, meaning residents must be prepared to evacuate within one hour.
Forecasts show chances of showers this weekend, which the town said should help crews minimise fire activity in other parts of the park.
Meanwhile, engineering and construction company Bechtel said yesterday it was donating C$20,000 to support relief and recovery efforts.
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