King Charles ‘deeply saddened’ by devastation caused by wildfire in Jasper National Park

King Charles says he and his wife, Queen Camilla, are “deeply saddened” to see the damage caused by massive wildfires in Jasper National Park in western Alberta.

He says Alberta’s picturesque Rocky Mountains tourist destination is a “truly magical place” that has captivated travelers from Canada and abroad.

The King expressed his condolences to those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected, especially those who have lost their properties and have been forced to leave.

He thanked the first responders, community volunteers and leaders who provided assistance and praised the Canadians who lent a helping hand.

Federal officials say about a third of the buildings in the city of Jasper were lost to the fire, and firefighters could do little to combat such a large and powerful blaze.

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Raw video of wildfire damage in Jasper, Alabama.

About 25,000 people, including 5,000 city residents, were ordered to leave more than a week ago as flames spread rapidly.

“These are dark times, but we have great admiration for the strength and resilience of so many people to persevere and rebuild,” King Charles said in a written statement distributed through Rideau Hall.

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“The number of firefighters who have come from all over the world to offer their services is a testament not only to the sense of solidarity that exists within that professional community, but also to the high regard in which Canada and Canadians are held around the world.”

The first royal family visited the park in 1939, when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, stayed in the Outlook Cabin at Jasper Park Lodge.

Their daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, stayed there in 2005 with her husband, Prince Philip.

Visit the Alberta Emergency Alert website for the latest information on which areas in Alberta have an evacuation warning or order due to a wildfire.

Visit the Alberta Wildfire website for the latest information on the status and danger of wildfires in the province.

For the most up-to-date information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans in the province, visit the Alberta Fire Bans website.

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