All 5 Wildfires in Jasper in 2025 Were Human-Caused, Officials Say

All five wildfires that ignited in Jasper National Park in 2025 were caused by people, according to Parks Canada, underscoring a persistent and largely preventable source of fire risk in one of Canada’s busiest mountain parks.

While none of the fires were intentional, officials say they were linked to everyday human activity.

“In a national park setting, ‘human-caused’ typically refers to accidental ignitions from common activities, such as illegal campfires, improperly discarded cigarette butts, and unattended campfires in campgrounds or day-use areas,” said Landon Shepherd, Fire and Vegetation Specialist with Parks Canada.

The figures come from Jasper’s 2025 Annual Report, which noted that all five fires were extinguished before reaching 0.1 hectares.

Small fires, rapid response

All five fires occurred within five kilometres of the Jasper townsite and were contained quickly, with no closures or disruptions to visitors.

Public reporting played a key role in that outcome.

“Public reports to Jasper Dispatch from these highly visible fires allowed Parks Canada to take action immediately,” Shepherd said.

During wildfire season, Parks Canada staffs two dedicated initial attack crews in Jasper, trained to respond rapidly to new fire starts. Officials say the system is designed to prioritize early detection and fast containment.

“The safety of the public, neighbouring lands, crews, and park infrastructure is always Parks Canada’s top priority,” Shepherd said.

Anyone can report smoke or wildfire activity to Parks Canada Dispatch, which officials say is often the first line of defence.

No fines issued, despite human causes

Despite all five fires being human-caused, Parks Canada confirmed that no charges or fines were issued in connection with the incidents.

Officials say each report is still taken seriously.

“Parks Canada takes each incident report very seriously and thoroughly investigates and responds accordingly,” Shepherd said.

Under the Canada National Parks Act, violations such as illegal campfires can carry fines of up to $25,000.

How 2025 compares to previous years

While the total number of fires in 2025 was relatively low, the breakdown between human and natural causes shifts year to year.

• 2023: 9 human-caused, 5 lightning-caused fires, plus one holdover fire

• 2024: 5 human-caused, 7 lightning-caused fires

• 2025: 5 human-caused, 0 lightning-caused fires

The absence of lightning-caused fires in 2025 stands out, particularly after a 2024 season that included multiple natural ignitions and led to one of the most destructive wildfire events in the park’s history.

The 2024 Jasper wildfire caused an estimated $1.23 billion in insured damage and remains the second-most expensive wildfire in Canadian history, according to the annual report.

Fire risk conditions were milder in 2025

Fire danger conditions were also less severe in 2025 compared with the previous year.

According to the report, Jasper recorded:

• 52 days of low fire danger

• 48 days moderate

• 25 days high

• 20 days very high

• 0 days of extreme fire danger

By comparison, the park typically sees about four extreme fire danger days in a season, and experienced 19 in 2024.

A preventable risk heading into 2026

Looking ahead, Parks Canada says the biggest opportunity to reduce wildfire risk lies in preventing human-caused ignitions.

“While we can never fully eliminate the risk of natural wildfires, human-caused fires are preventable,” Shepherd said.

Officials are reminding visitors that even when no formal fire ban is in place, the park operates under a baseline restriction.

“Jasper National Park is always under a fire restriction, which means campfires are only permitted in designated fire pits or boxes,” Shepherd said.

Parks Canada is urging visitors to:

• Keep campfires small and under control

• Never leave a fire unattended

• Fully extinguish fires using water before leaving

• Properly dispose of cigarettes

“Soak it, stir it, and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch,” Shepherd said.

During periods of very high or extreme fire danger, additional measures such as fire bans or area closures may be implemented.

Recovery context still shaping fire management

The 2025 fire season unfolded as Jasper continued recovering from the 2024 wildfire, which reshaped both the landscape and fire management priorities.

The annual report notes that more than $383 million in federal funding has been committed to recovery efforts, including rebuilding infrastructure and restoring affected areas.

That recovery work is happening alongside renewed focus on wildfire risk reduction strategies, including vegetation management and FireSmart planning.