Wildfires in Jasper - Update

Dear colleagues,

Since my last message, you will have heard the news regarding the devastating impacts of the wildfire in the Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park. Last night, the South Fire in Jasper National Park reached the outskirts of the Jasper townsite after being driven by strong wind gusts from the south and southeast.

I could not be prouder of the Parks Canada Firefighters who fought tirelessly alongside their municipal and provincial counterparts to try to contain this aggressive and fast-moving fire, and of the first responders who were able to evacuate more than 20,000 residents and visitors safely.

Although we do not yet have specific details, my heart is heavy to report that despite all the teams’ heroic efforts we know that multiple structures in the Town of Jasper have been lost.

Many of our team members, including first responders and members of Parks Canada’s National Fire Management Program, belong to the close-knit Jasper community. We are all committed to supporting them during this incredibly challenging time, as the safety and well-being of our employees remain our top priority.

Structural firefighters remain in the Town and are working to save as many structures as possible and to protect critical infrastructure. Additional structural protection firefighters are on their way to the Town of Jasper. Wildland firefighters have relocated their command post and are continuing efforts to fight this aggressive fire. All available resources have been and continue to be used as we coordinate activities through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC).

Employees who work and live in Jasper will be anxious to hear about the status of their homes and community. Updates on the evolving situation will be shared when we have information. 

In the meantime, know that there is support available onsite from the Psychosocial Response and Extended Counselling (PREC) and the Specialized Organizational Services (SOS). Indigenous employees in need of immediate support can reach out to the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or visit www.hopeforwellness.ca. Employees can also access resources on emergency workplace disruptions and critical incident stress management on Parks(EXTRA)Net at all times. Lastly, the Employee and Family Assistance Program is available to you and is designed to provide confidential psychological support during difficult circumstances. They can be contacted at 1-800-268-7708 (TTY digital service for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing: 1-800-567-5803) or by live chat (password: canada), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (ET).

Ron Hallman

President & CEO

#ParksCanadaProud

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