HINTON, ALTA. – People who live in Jasper, Alta., can begin returning on Friday after wildfires forced some 5,000 residents to flee the Rocky Mountain tourist town last month.
Municipality and Parks Canada officials made the announcement today, saying it was possible after the criteria for re-entry had been met.Â
They say it’s a blanket re-entry and everyone can come back at once.Â
About 20,000 visitors to Jasper National Park were also forced out three weeks ago due to powerful fires that levelled one-third of the town’s buildings.
Parks Canada said over the weekend that 80 per cent of the northwest perimeter of the out-of-control wildfire that’s been threatening the town has been contained.
It says activity was ramping up in the town in preparation for residents’ return, including work to reconnect essential services like gas, water and electricity.
Officials have said key infrastructure in the town, including schools and the water treatment plant, was spared.
The Alberta government said there were 115 wildfires burning across Alberta in the province’s Forest Protection Area on Sunday. Thirteen were classified as out of control, 37 are being held and 65 are under control.
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