A moose enjoys the cooling waters at a quiet lake just a day before the fires caused the evacuation of Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is more than just a destination; it's a sacred retreat, a place where my soul finds solace amidst the rugged mountains and pristine lakes. Over the years, I have shared countless adventures in Jasper, where I immerse myself in the splendor of nature and capture the wild beauty through my lens. Each year, I eagerly await my trips: June for the majestic grizzlies, September for the thrilling elk rut, late November for the captivating bighorn sheep, July with my family, and February for a rejuvenating mountain escape.

A bull elk photographed last year during the fall rut

This year, I visited from July 16 to July 22 not realizing the unforeseen tragedy about to happen. On the morning of 22nd, as I packed to leave, the skies were heavy with haze from smoke, a small fire near Miette hot springs had closed the road but nothing else seemed amiss. Soon after my departure the forest fires began to rage east of Jasper stoked by unusually high temperatures and strong winds, near the transfer station, and south down Highway 93 by Athabasca Falls. My heart shattered as I realized that the very essence of Jasper, my sanctuary, was under siege by flames.

The haze causing the muted effect of the mountain landscape taken Saturday evening two days before the park was evacuated. 

Jasper is not just a park to me; it's my second home. Since childhood when I first visited with my parents, I've gone there annuallly. Now I make the six-hour drive numerous times each year, seeking to recharge and reconnect with nature. Today, as the fires consume the townsite, campgrounds, and countless historic sites, I feel an immense loss, as if a piece of my heart is burning with the flames. For over a decade, I've dreamed of finding a perfect place near the park, a dream now overshadowed by the destruction of the place I love.

A loon photographed on a small lake by Jasper Park Lodge on Sunday evening less than 24 hours before the fires broke out. The Lodge has also received damage from the fire. 

I worry deeply about the wildlife that calls Jasper home; the eagles and loons pairs who I have watched for years  and I eagerly anticipate their return in the spring, the mama grizzlies I've come to recognize, the bull elk each distinguished by their antlers, and the local coyote family raising their young pups each spring close to the townsite. These creatures, along with moose, deer, chipmunks, martens, pikas, marmots, foxes, and countless others, I have come to know and recognize, their safety is paramount in my thoughts as is that of the residents of the town and all the park staff and first responders.

A bald eagle soars the skies by the transfer station photographed just days before this exact location is now at risk of being consumed by fire

Amidst the devastation, I see a barrage of posts blaming the provincial or federal government, politicians, and recent decisions. The harsh reality is that this fire is the culmination of decades of provincial, federal, and global decisions and policies regarding forest management, resource management, and environmental priorities. Dead trees killed by pine beetles over a decade ago, a lack of prescribed burns avoided to maintain the park's pristine image, and the changing climate creating hotter summers and drier winters—all these factors have converged to create the perfect storm for this disaster.

A second year grizzly cub enjoys a meal near the Valley of the Five Lakes another popular spot that was in the path of the south fire 

We can easily point fingers and assign blame, but that won't heal the land or save the wildlife. Instead, I implore each of us to take action in our daily lives to make a positive impact on this planet. Small actions, when multiplied by millions, can create monumental change. Conserve water, walk more, drive less, donate to conservation groups, and educate yourself on environmental issues. We are not helpless, and there is hope—but only if we all strive to make a difference.

A coyote stands watch close to its den an area currently also under fire risk 

Jasper is burning, but together, we can ignite a movement to protect and preserve our natural world. Be the change you want to see.