Alberta wildfires: Jasper evacuees await update as pictures, videos show extent of the devastation

Despite healthy rainfall on Thursday, several buildings in Jasper, Alta., are still burning after a wildfire became so intense that many first responders were forced to evacuate.

Pictures and videos being shared to social media showcase the damage to the community, as evacuated residents wait to hear more details about the destruction.

The fire reached the town near 7 p.m. (MT) Wednesday night, causing significant damage to some iconic sites in Jasper, as well as some residential and business properties.

"Almost every block has at least one house fully engulfed," said Mel Dressler, who fled Jasper on Wednesday evening.

Global's Jasmine King has the latest.

#GlobalNews #alberta #wildfire #jasper

[Bellaangelcz]

Just Horrible 😢. So sorry to all the ppl of Jasper

[C.Zacarias-Main]

We were just in Jasper town and Hinton last Saturday. It is sad to see the total destruction of one of Canada's treasure. 😢

The first time I visited Jasper town was on our trip to Vancouver in 1998. Because of a landslide in Canmore in 1998, we were forced to go to Edmonton, pass Jasper town, and head to Vancouver. I would like to thank all the firefighters that did their best to save Jasper town.

For the tourists that were evacuated out of Jasper town. We would like to thank you for your cooperation. Please proceed to evacuation centres in Edmonton, Grande Prairie, and Calgary. If possible, please get a return flight to your Country of origin. I apologize for your shortened vacation.

[watching-the-watchers]

It is great to see cooler temperatures and at least some rain. Hold strong Jasper!

[nononsenseBennett]

Whenever I hear stories of complete towns going up in flames I just have to say it's the fault of authorities for not being proactive in setting up perimeter sprinklers. Stories of personnel not having respirators is just ludicrous.

[drewhendry]

Thanks Trudeau for getting the military envolved sooner, i guess your vacation in Tofino is more important

[Camberlea]

Open up . Evacuates want out of valemount 😢

[johna]

Very strange indeed. Yet still people think this is organic.

[robmann]

This was a pyrocumulus, lightning producing firestorm. If you don’t know what a firestorm is, look it up. People commenting with talk of proactive measures, and green zones around the town, unsurprisingly, have no know idea what they’re talking about.

[juret]

It doesn't matter, the most important thing is that Canadians have given up their human identity. In Canada, you could see signs like: "Do you know what the best reward for your child is? To not have another child!" This is just a small thing that will affect humanity.

[Matty-rj]

It’s sad to say but Jasper is just a piece of history now….

[D-FENS_]

Good thing we had a fire ban or it would have been a lot worse.

[boudibla]

lots of videos and pictures on social media but... none here...

[jchaston]

For Marmot Ski Resort to be open, we need to bring back the hotels in Jasper before this winter coming

[ein-rwuy]

Why didn't the province or Jasper council ask parks canada for a fire break to be put in? Jasper survived a major fire a few years ago. They tried to install a fire break as the fire was on top of them. Always after the fact and now trudeau and the province will say "we are sorry for your loss and we are here to help" a bit too late I'd say.

[chriszubkowski]

How is it possible, fire in almost every single block?

[Dma]

Is there anything blue that did not burn. Is this another DEW occurrence. 😮

[christopherrichardwadedett]

Insurers from back east will foot the tab. Prayers

[KellyRichards-qffo]

Entire Ecosytem- WILDLIFE AND THEIR NATURAL HABITATS gone forever 😢😭

[UBERBENZ]

I feel sad for my fave jamaican restaurant downtown. Their food is so darn good. Prayers for jerk chicken patties

[kriscalverley]

Looks wet? How much rain? Nice to hear a report on that? Rather than all depressing news, not a word on how rain helped? Sure hope it calmed things down for a while to help fighters.