Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before Jasper can return, premier says

Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes "for several weeks."

Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes "for several weeks."

"It's still unsafe for people to return," Smith told reporters, adding that assessment work has to be "done building by building (and) house by house ... so it is a methodical process that ensures the safety of people and property."

She said damage is concentrated on the west side of town southwest of Miette Avenue.

Power and gas remain shut off at the townsite, but work to restore it is "being done as quickly as possible," said Smith.

She also pointed out "the hard work of the firefighters and front-line workers" protected Jasper from "even more damage."

The Alberta government is also "expediting (its) evacuation payment policy" for Jasper residents, said Smith, waiving the usual seven-day period.