A massive wildfire that rushed into Jasper in Alberta, Canada, has left much of the town in ruins. Local news outlets reported that 30 to 50 percent of structures have burned as 300-foot-plus walls of flames poured across the mountainous landscape Wednesday and Thursday. Nearby Jasper National Park likewise suffered extensive damage.
The area is also home to the historic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and its golf course, which opened in 1925 with a layout by famed Canadian designer Stanley Thompson. The course is rated among the best classic courses in the country.
The lodge was evacuated as the fires approached, but after many anxious hours it appears the lodge and course escaped most of the damage so far, as firefighters are still combating the inferno.
The lodge posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday evening that the hotel did incur fire damage, but most of the lodge’s structures had so far remained intact, including the main lodge. While it will take time to assess all the damage around the lodge, its operators posted “we are deeply relieved that much of the property was spared and the resort will reopen in the future.”
Update: July 25, 5:00 PM MST pic.twitter.com/rgiIRP58Kz
— Jasper Park Lodge (@FairmontJPL) July 25, 2024
Guests with upcoming reservations in the short term were advised their plans will be canceled as the full scope of the fire damage is evaluated. The lodge asks that anyone who has booked a visit call 800-257-7544 or 403-762-2211 to reach the reservations team for further guidance.
The staff went on to thank the many organizations that have fought the fire or offered assistance, care and relief. The lodge pledged its support to the community and colleagues when rebuilding efforts begin.