Jasper Residents Reflect on ‘Touchstones’ Gone Forever, Thankful for No Loss of Life

Firefighters on a break watch helicopters bucket smouldering wildfires in the forest outside of Jasper, Alta., on July 26, 2024. The Canadian Press/Amber Bracken

The wildfire that swept through Jasper on the night of July 24 destroyed one-third of all structures in the townsite, most of which were homes and businesses. By then, as the fire came closer, all the residents had been evacuated.

For longtime resident Mike Day, the devastation brought a range of emotions.