The Jasper Wildfire: EXPLAINED

We go behind the scenes of the Jasper wildfire: how did it start, why did it grow so quickly, and how did crews manage to save 60% of the town, including most of the Jasper Park Lodge? Plus, we fact check the role the mountain pine beetle played in the blaze, and learn what communities across the country need to do to prevent future disasters.

3:20 | His childhood home is gone. The church he was baptized in...gone. Parkland County Fire Chief Brian Cornforth joins us, just back from Jasper where he and his crew worked to save critical infrastructure in the town, then the Jasper Park Lodge (where his grandpa worked as a manager, and his parents met). 

FIRESMART PROGRAM: https://firesmartalberta.ca/

31:10 | Canada's preeminent wildfire expert Dr. Mike Flannigan takes us through the Jasper wildfire, from the moment it started to the aftermath. Of interest, Dr. Flannigan explains why reports referencing the mountain pine beetle are irrelevant in this particular wildfire. 

CHECK OUT DR. FLANNIGAN'S WORK: https://www.mikeflannigan.com/

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THIS EPISODE: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

Do you know a post-secondary student in Canada who's lost a parent to cancer? They could qualify to receive financial assistance from the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. Application deadline is August 1. 

APPLY FOR THE REAL TALK JULIE ROHR SCHOLARSHIP: https://ryanjespersen.com/scholarship

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 

REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch

RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / ryanjespersen  

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.