Residents Finally Returning to Their Homes in Fire-Damaged Jasper Townsite

August 16, 2024 TruthUSA

Residents of the Municipality of Jasper are set to return to the town today after being forced out by a massive wildfire over three weeks ago.

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland has announced that only residents will be allowed entry into the town, while other visitors will be directed to stay on the highway and continue driving.

Initially planning for a full reopening, Mayor Ireland revealed that the plans changed due to concerns raised by residents about visitors intruding on their privacy as they assess the state of their homes and businesses.

On the night of July 22, the town’s 5,000 residents, along with 20,000 visitors, were evacuated before a massive wildfire engulfed the community and destroyed a third of its structures.

Residents have observed their homes on bus tours but were not allowed to disembark and enter their properties.