Last week, the world watched in horror as wildfires burned through Jasper National Park and the town of Jasper itself, destroying homes and businesses, and forcing residents to flee. While it will take time for the full impact of the devastation to truly be understood, it’s clear that for many, recovery will take a lifetime.
To our Alberta members, and everyone living and working in the area, our hearts are with you. The magnitude of loss is hard to comprehend, and while we may not be able to fully grasp the extent of your trauma, we share the pain of your devastation.
We are deeply appreciative of the first responders who have stepped up to control the fires and offer support in the aftermath. To the local firefighting crews in Alberta and B.C. and those who have travelled from across Canada, and from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand: thank you for your efforts. I grew up in the Okanagan Valley in BC, and fought some devastating fires in my youth – I’m well aware of the profound skill, commitment, and risk that these first responders carry into these fights to save lives and communities.
We also know that some CAPE members have been directly involved in fighting the fires in support of the main firefighting crews, in an incredible gesture of selflessness and bravery.
While fires are necessary for ecological health and diversity, it’s impossible to ignore that the frequency and severity of these wildfires are increasing at an alarming rate – and becoming a dangerous threat to our infrastructure. Canadian summers have now become synonymous with wildfire smoke, emergency responses, and destruction of homes, properties and livelihoods. Even now, while Jasper begins the recovery process, hundreds of people in southeastern British Columbia are facing evacuations and warnings as fires continue to burn in the region. Extreme fire weather is now an annual reality for millions of Canadians and billions of people across a planet in ecological crisis.
Action is needed now. It’s time to come together on meaningful steps to address the climate crisis, and preserve and protect our communities, our landmarks and the country that we all love.
Donate today
If you are able, please consider donating to the Canadian Red Cross, one of the charities listed here, or any other organization of your choice, to support those impacted by the forest fires in western Canada. Note that all donations made to the Canadian Red Cross before August 24 will be matched by the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada.
Donations will be used for assisting those impacted in Jasper and other affected areas in Alberta with immediate and ongoing relief including financial assistance, support to evacuees and the communities hosting them, recovery and resilience efforts in response to the wildfires, as well as supporting community preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within Alberta.
In solidarity,
Nathan Prier and the entire CAPE community
