Jasper National Park engulfed in flames: Shocking before and after photos show famous Maligne Lodge burning as Alberta wildfire spreads

Canadians across social media are sharing their memories of Jasper National Park, while pointing fingers at Alberta's government for cutting resources to fight the flames

Joy Joshi
·Writer, Yahoo News Canada
·8 min read
16

The images coming out of the Alberta this week have left Canadians in shock as wildfires engulf a “national treasure”, Jasper National Park. To many in the province and abroad, the park and its iconic features are part of one of the most beautiful landscapes in Canada. The damage from the flames has left a devastating impact on some of the most recognizable destinations, Maligne Lake Lodge, with before and after shots showing the wrath of nature.

“Brace yourself. This is a tough image to see of Jasper-Maligne Lodge. Same eyewitness says PetroCan/ Brightspot were hit. This was over half hour ago,” posted news anchor Lindsay Warner along with a picture of what is identified as the burning Maligne Lake Lodge on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The wildfires at Jasper are believed to have caused “significant loss” as they consumed several buildings — belonging to homes and businesses, causing Albertans to vent their frustration with the provincial government online.

“Danielle Smith should’ve spent less time watching Oilers games in the private boxes of millionaire lobbyists while cutting wildfire funding and more time preparing for a fire season in one of the hottest summers on record. She’s a failure on every level and should resign,” wrote a social media user online.

The extent of the fires burning at Jasper remains unknown, however, local authorities and first responders believe multiple buildings based in the heart of the town have now been lost.

A total of 182 fires are burning across the province of Alberta.

Many people, who visited Jasper in the past, were quick to share their memories of the place and drew contrasts between the visuals of the place in the grip of adversity and the peaceful serendipity it stood for back in the day.

“The Jasper fire is hitting me pretty hard. You know how in Nova Scotia the ocean is your backyard. Jasper was pretty much my backyard growing up in Alberta. Lots of weekends spent adventuring. Last trip I ever took with Mom was to Maligne lodge. Just heartbreaking 💔,” posted a dejected Jasper lover online.

“Had a wonderful, memorable breakfast @WickedCup in Jasper with friends in early June. It is the cafe attached to Maligne Lodge. Now it’s gone. So devastating 😥. Thinking about Jasper friends and all towns folks right now,” wrote another.

“This appears to be the beautiful Maligne Lodge burning in Jasper, Alberta, in the Canadian Rockies. The whole city was evacuated. I have stayed there. Given what happened to my hometown of Lahaina, my heart is with everyone who call Jasper home,” chimed in a third.

Many Albertans reacting online to the seriously horrific events unfolding at Jasper also took note of other fires burning in the region, especially those in and around Banff and Hector Lake.

On Wednesday, the Banff National Park reported a new fire burning south of Hector Lake inside the park late afternoon which resulted in a road closure to and from BC.

Many Canadians, learning of the wildfires reaching Banff, were quick to share their concerns online

“I just saw that there’s a fire near Banff now. I’m terrified,” posted a worried X user.

“Dropped my mom, brother, and his gf off at the airport yesterday. They’re in Canada for a week and a half and are in Banff this weekend. Supposed to go to Jasper next week. Hotel refunded their rooms 2 days ago. If the fire makes it to Banff it might actually break me 😭,” said another.

The United Conservative Party of Alberta and leader Danielle Smith are under fire for the decision to slash the wildfire budget and cut response strategy initiatives like the Wildland Firefighter Rappel back in 2019.

Canadians online called out Smith for “fighting all climate actions for years” and “cutting fire prevention funding” only to request the federal government to help out with the Jasper tragedy in the end.

“The fire in Jasper, Alberta growing out of control is direct result of Danielle Smith not asking for help from the federal government sooner. Trudeau cannot help until a request comes from the Premier first. Alberta will continue to suffer until they start holding her accountable,” a user wrote on X.

“Jasper is a National Park, yes. But there is no NATIONAL firefighting service. THAT is up to the province. The Feds send HELP to the PROVINCIAL firefighters. This is a Danielle Smith and UCP fuck up. Not Trudeau,” said another.

“Danielle Smith is heartbroken but she defunded wildfire prevention and have no climate change plan. This is on her,” joined a third.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his government approved Alberta’s request for federal assistance and deployed relevant wildfire resources.

"Alberta, we're with you," the PM reiterated.