Jasper to end state of emergency, focus on long-term wildfire recovery

The municipality of Jasper in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains is taking the next step this weekend as it recovers from a July wildfire that destroyed a third of its buildings.

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland said Friday that the state of emergency will formally end on Sunday.

Ireland said the move means Jasper is transitioning from a short-term recovery perspective to a long-term view.

He also said removing the state of emergency order will help the tourist town’s much needed visitor economy return.

The wildfire destroyed more than 350 of the town’s buildings, including 800 housing units.

The town estimates 2,000 of its 5,000 residents lost their homes.

Although still burning, the wildfire that hit the community was listed as under control a week ago.