Solemn events planned to mark one year since 25,000 fled Jasper wildfire

Jasper Fire Chief Mathew Conte addresses the media in one of the most heavily impacted neighbourhoods, roughly one year after the wildfire in Jasper, Alta., on Monday, July 21, 2025. Conte says 2024 was an unprecedented fire season but his team is addressing preparedness, including residential sprinkler systems and fire smarting, to prevent further losses. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken

Today marks one year since roughly 25,000 tourists and residents of Jasper were forced to flee on a single highway, after several runaway fires were discovered in Jasper National Park.

There’s expected to be solemn reflection in the beloved mountain town, as events are held to remember the evacuation and the flames that incinerated neighborhoods two days later.

A third of the town’s structures were destroyed despite firefighters’ best efforts.

It’s estimated about 2,000 people were displaced by the fire.

On Tuesday morning, a ceremony was held in Jasper, with Mayor Richard Ireland, federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski and Samson Cree Nation elder Bruce Cutknife.

Talking circles, group bike rides and other events are set throughout the week.