Jasper wildfire no longer out of control, now classified as ‘contained’

Parks Canada says a wildfire has forced everyone to flee the Alberta town of Jasper and destroyed nearly a third of its buildings is no longer classified as out of control and is now listed as “in detention.”

The agency issued a statement saying this means the fire is not currently expected to spread to priority areas.

Jasper residents were finally allowed back into the community Friday after fleeing the raging blazes more than three weeks ago, but an alert remained in place advising them to be prepared to evacuate again at short notice if fire conditions worsen.

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Parks Canada aerial images show wildfire damage in Jasper

That alert was lifted Saturday afternoon, according to the province’s emergency alert system, which says it is now safe to resume normal activities in the city, although the national park remains closed.

Parks Canada’s statement said it is proud to announce that the fire is occurring on the 27th day of the fire, especially since it is the day of remembrance for Calgary firefighter Morgan Kitchen.

Kitchen died earlier this month after being injured by a falling tree while battling the Jasper wildfire.