After the 2024 Wildfires, Jasper Is Back-Here's How to Visit Responsibly

"Hot, dry weather blanketed Jasper on the evening of July 22, 2024, what should have been a peaceful summer night in the Canadian Rockies. Instead, within just 20 minutes, three wildfires ignited-each so intense they were deemed too dangerous for firefighters to approach directly. Fueled by winds topping 50 miles per hour, the fires merged within four hours into a massive 7,410-acre inferno, with flames soaring as high as 164 feet."

"Fire crews battled the blazes for weeks, but it wasn't until Sept. 7 that the Jasper Complex Wildfire was declared under control. By then, it had scorched 81,544 acres, destroyed 358 of the town's 1,113 structures, and claimed the life of one firefighter. As devastating as the wildfire was, it is also part of a broader natural cycle in the region."

Hot, dry conditions on the evening of July 22, 2024 led to three wildfires igniting within 20 minutes near Jasper, Alberta. High winds topping 50 miles per hour caused the fires to merge within four hours into a 7,410-acre inferno with flames reaching up to 164 feet. Fire crews battled for weeks, and the Jasper Complex Wildfire was declared under control on Sept. 7 after scorching 81,544 acres. The fires destroyed 358 of the town's 1,113 structures and killed one firefighter. Approximately 30 percent of the town, mainly residential areas, was affected, but most businesses have rebuilt and 97 percent of the national park remains intact. Tourism remains a vital part of the community and the destination is welcoming visitors again.

Read at Travel + Leisure