By Canadian Press

Jasper’s mayor says date when evacuees can return home will be announced Monday

Aug 10, 2024 | 11:55 AM

Jasper’s mayor says wildfire evacuees will learn Monday when they will be allowed to return home.

Richard Ireland told an online news conference on Saturday that details on the exact time of the announcement haven’t been finalized, but news on the date when people will be permitted back into the town will be delivered by members of the unified command on Monday.

About 20,000 visitors to Jasper National Park and 5,000 town residents were forced out last month due to fires, and flames destroyed one-third of the town’s buildings.

Ireland told the news conference he hoped sharing word on when the announcement would come would “provide a bridge and some measure of comfort to those so fraught with anxiety.”

He says the dedicated work of the fire incident management team means plans to re-enter the town safely are moving faster than expected.

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A Parks Canada official told the news conference that while the blaze in the park is still out of control, cooler weather and a bit of rain has allowed crews to make great strides in minimizing fire growth.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published August 10, 2024.

The Canadian Press