In Jasper, the first return to view gives an overview of the damage

Prepare for the worstJasper Meyer returns to the scene today

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland said Prepare for the worst He is set to return to the municipality on Friday afternoon. The mayor, who visited Hinton with Alberta Premier Daniel Smith and Canada’s Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan, praised the resilience of members of his community.

All that we can do to preserve the municipality has been done, and yet we humans remain humble before nature.

A quote from Richard Ireland, Jasper Meyer

“Some will have a place to come back to, others won’t. Some would have lost their livelihood. It’s going to be tough,” Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland said during a July 26 news conference in Hinton.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Emmanuel Prince-Thawet

Reconstruction may take years, but today we feel it is a turning pointAdded Richard Ireland.

During a press conference, ministers and the mayor confirmed preliminary estimates provided by Parks Canada earlier Friday, which measured damage and destruction of municipal structures at approximately 30%. Critical infrastructure remains intact.

The province’s premier, who is visiting Jasper during the day, announced that evacuees from the municipality will be eligible for the announced financial assistance ahead of the originally planned seven-day deadline. Affected people can henceforth claim it online or visit the designated service centers.

Premier Daniel Smith leaves the fire command center following Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland, Friday, July 26, 2024, in Hinton, Alta.

Photo: The Canadian Press / Amber Bracken

Daniel Smith also announced that the provincial and federal governments have committed to contribute the same amount raised by the relief fund launched by the Red Cross on Thursday. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the announcement on his X account.

Currently, it is not possible for residents to go back.

The fire is still not under control and there is no certainty that people will return. Unlimited entries are not allowed into the park during this timeDaniel Smith explained.