14.35°C Vancouver

Aug 2, 2024 7:41 PM - The Canadian Press

Backcountry campers not deterred by Jasper fire

Share On
backcountry-campers-not-deterred-by-jasper-fire
Former fashion tycoon Peter Nygard is expected to be sentenced today after he was convicted on four counts of sexual assault last fall.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Some backcountry campers rescued from the wildfire in Jasper National Park say they're not deterred from going out again.

A massive wildfire last week forced 25-thousand people to flee the Alberta park and its townsite.

Fire later destroyed a third of the town.

Parks Canada says 245 campers were evacuated from the backcountry.

Among them were Charles Vantanajal and his family, who says he and his family were hiking when they saw smoke near Oldhorn Mountain, but didn't think that they were in any danger because the fire appeared to be far away.

They ended up being taken out by helicopter, while others were taken out by boat

Latest news

high-risk-offender-nathanial-odorjan-to-reside-in-surrey-police-issue-public-warning
BCApr 23, 2026

High-risk offender Nathanial Odorjan to reside in Surrey, police issue public warning

Surrey Police Service says a man designated as a high-risk offender will be living in the city and is warning the public as part of a formal disclosure. According to a Surrey Police Service news release, Nathanial Odorjan, 42, has a history of violence against people, including offences involving women and underage girls. Police said the notice is intended to support public safety and awareness. Odorjan is described as a White male, about six-foot-one and 150 pounds, with short balding brown hair and brown eyes. Police say he has previously worn facial hair. The release states Odorjan is curre
carney-rejects-u-s-pressure-ahead-of-potential-cusma-trade-talks
CanadaApr 23, 2026

Carney rejects U.S. pressure ahead of potential CUSMA trade talks

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will not follow U.S. direction as it prepares for possible negotiations on the future of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement, pushing back on recent comments from American officials about trade irritants. Speaking at a news conference in Ottawa, Carney said tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian steel, aluminum and forest products go beyond minor disputes and are inconsistent with the existing trade deal. He did not outline specific retaliatory measures but indicated the federal government views the tariffs as a significant breach. Car
CanadaApr 23, 2026

Immigration minister criticized after policy details shared in influencer interview

Canada’s immigration minister is facing criticism from legal professionals after discussing details of a proposed immigration program during a social media interview before any formal government announcement. Minister Lena Metlege Diab, in an interview with influencer Max Medic, said the federal government is preparing a new pathway to permanent residency for thousands of temporary residents. According to the interview, the proposed program would focus on individuals living outside major metropolitan areas. The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association said in a statement it has sent a letter
one-taken-to-hospital-after-house-fire-in-surreys-newton-area
BCApr 23, 2026

One taken to hospital after house fire in Surrey’s Newton area

A person was taken to hospital after a house fire in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood on Wednesday, according to police. Surrey police said the individual experienced breathing difficulties due to smoke and was transported to hospital for treatment. No update on the person’s condition was immediately available. According to a police statement, officers temporarily closed a section near 72 Avenue and 140 Street following the incident as a safety precaution. The roads were reopened to traffic at 3:25 p.m. after the fire was brought under control. Police said there are no indications of suspicio
wildfire-incidents-rise-across-british-columbia-majority-linked-to-human-activity
BCApr 23, 2026

Wildfire incidents rise across British Columbia, majority linked to human activity

Wildfire activity is increasing across British Columbia, with 15 active fires currently burning in multiple regions, according to the BC Wildfire Service. The agency said two of the fires are classified as out of control, including one in the Cariboo Fire Centre and another in the Prince George Fire Centre. Four of the active fires were reported on Wednesday. Since April 1, a total of 57 wildfires have been recorded across the province. The BC Wildfire Service says 93 per cent of these fires are believed to have been caused by human activity. Active fires are spread across several regions, inc

Related News