Dead lodgepole pine trees added to the fuel load for the Jasper wildfire
infestation, although some academics think that the beetles played a lesser role in the devastating Jasper wildfire than the high winds, hot temperatures, and generally dry conditions in the park. There has also been finger-pointing that Parks Canada did not do enough FireSmart wildfire preparation to prevent a major fire( which they deny). However, when you look at the history of the 2017 Kenow wildfire in Waterton Lakes National Park, which destroyed 19,303 hectares, red flags go up: measures to protect key infrastructure in Canada’ s national parks need to be improved.
The Jasper wildfire, which burned one-third of the buildings in the Jasper townsite, was the largest fire in that national park in over one hundred years, according to Parks Canada. Over time, the fuel buildup from forest litter increased— adding to the danger— as well as brush encroachment on Alberta’ s rangelands, estimated at four to five per cent annually. This increased fuel buildup led authorities to predict that it was just a matter of time until wildfires ignited. The Jasper fire consumed more than 33,000 hectares before it was classified as“ held” late in the summer of 2024.
Historically, lightning strikes have been the predominant cause of wildfires in Alberta. More recently, many wildfires have been caused by cigarettes, ATVs, arson, and other human causes. The fallout from the Kenow and Jasper wildfires on those who enjoy the outdoors is huge. Waterton’ s Crandall Mountain campsite was destroyed and has yet to be rebuilt. Both the Wapiti and Whistlers campsites in Jasper National Park sustained widespread damage. The Maligne Canyon restaurant and nearby hostel burned to the ground.
Closed hiking trail sign in Jasper park Jasper wildfire residential devastation
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