Jasper Residents Return Amid Wildfire Emergency

Jasper residents are set to return home on Friday following a devastating wildfire that destroyed one-third of the town's structures. Despite a blanket re-entry plan, services such as water, gas, and electricity remain limited or unavailable in some areas, and officials have warned that not all homes will be habitable. Mayor Richard Ireland urged residents to prepare for a 'new normal' as the community begins the daunting task of rebuilding. Many evacuees, including temporary foreign workers, have expressed mixed emotions about returning due to the extent of the damage and ongoing safety concerns. The wildfire, which remains out of control, has left significant parts of the town under a state of emergency with evacuation alerts still in place. Officials are working on detailed phased re-entry plans and have asked visitors to delay their return to give residents time to assess the damage.