The Alberta government said schedules should be released soon for supervised bus tours to get wildfire evacuees into Jasper to see what damage, if any, has been done to their homes.
Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon said Thursday afternoon that the goal is to get the tours done “in the next few days.”
“This remains the highest priority for the premier and emergency cabinet to make sure everybody can return – when it’s safe to do so – but we think we’re close to where that could take place,” he said.
“You’ll be seeing announcements shortly about bus schedules and components to be able to get people access to the community to see what is taking place with their homes.”
As it stands, Nixon said it’s unlikely people will be able to get off the bus once inside the townsite.
“The challenge will be if we wait for the conditions to be perfect enough to be able to let everybody get out, that that’s going to take too long for these families that are away from home,” he said.
“If we’re at the point where it’s safe enough obviously to be able to go even further than that, so be it.”
It’s hoped the insurance process will be able to start sooner if people can see what damage has been done to their homes.
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland, who lost his home to the wildfire, said it’s important for residents to be able to get back to see their homes.
“I have had that opportunity, as you know. It is jarring but it is also part of the healing journey that we will all have to go through,” Ireland said.
“We are cautious but we recognize the need and we are working through that.”
Plans are still underway for an overall re-entry plan for residents but no timeline has been released.
Nixon also announced that Alberta seniors who were forced to flee to British Columbia early last week due to wildfires in Jasper National Park will be brought back to the province on Friday.
When Jasper was evacuated on July 22, many seniors from the local seniors lodge and continuing care medical facilities were taken to Valemount, B.C.
On Friday, those seniors will be brought to Alberta Health Services facilities in the Hinton region, or back to family members in Alberta.
“That will mean every one of our seniors who had to leave the Jasper area are now back in Alberta in care or with family,” Nixon said.
The update comes as increased wildfire activity is anticipated in the area in the days ahead, with warmer, drier weather conditions on the way.
“Extreme fire behaviour may begin as soon as tomorrow,” Jasper National Park said in an update Wednesday night.
“Jasper residents should be aware of the possibility of intense fire and spread. Our top priority remains protecting the community and critical infrastructure and every effort will be made to prevent further impacts from the fire.”
Highway 16 through Jasper National Park reopened to commercial vehicles at 5 a.m. Thursday. Commercial trucks, tractors and trailers with a registered gross vehicle weight exceeding 11,794 kilograms will be able to drive through the area during the following times:
- 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. MT
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. MT
- 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. MT
Drivers are being told to have full gas tanks as they will not be allowed to stop.
Nixon reminded eligible evacuees that one-time evacuation payments are available. He said so far, about half of eligible people have signed up for the one-time payment of $1,250 per adult and $500 per child. More information on the payments can be found on the Alberta government’s website.
The Jasper wildfire — dubbed the Jasper wildfire complex — remains out of control at about 32,500 hectares in size.
As of Thursday afternoon, there were 118 wildfires burning in the forest protection area of Alberta. Of those, 19 were out of control. 48 were being held and 50 were under control.
For the latest information on which areas in Alberta are under an evacuation alert or order due to a wildfire, visit the Alberta Emergency Alert website.
For the latest information on the wildfire status and danger across the province, visit the Alberta Wildfire website.
The latest information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province can be found on the Alberta fire bans website.