Parks Canada says a wildfire that 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 ‘contained’.
The agency released a statement saying this means the fire will not spread to any priorities at this time.
Jasper residents were finally allowed to return to the community on Friday after having to flee raging flames more than three weeks ago, but a warning remained in effect advising them to remain prepared to evacuate again at short notice if fire conditions worsen.
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, even though the national park remains closed.
Parks Canada’s statement said it is proud to mention the wildfire is happening on day 27 of the fire, especially since it is the day of the commemoration of firefighter Morgan Kitchen in Calgary.
Kitchen died earlier this month after being injured by a falling tree while fighting the wildfire in Jasper.
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