WestNet Humanitarian Services Deploys Emergency Teams to Jasper Wildfire Evacuation
The non-profit provides communication equipment, supplies, and volunteer support to thousands of evacuees.
WestNet Humanitarian Services (WHS) has deployed emergency response teams to evacuation centres across Alberta following the catastrophic wildfire that forced the complete evacuation of the town of Jasper and the destruction of approximately one-third of its structures.
On the Ground
WHS teams arrived at evacuation centres in Hinton, Edson, and Edmonton within 12 hours of the evacuation order, setting up mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, charging stations, and communication hubs to help displaced residents contact family, file insurance claims, and access emergency services.
“When people are displaced, one of the first things they need is the ability to communicate,” said WHS executive director Maria Santos. “Our job is to make sure that no one is isolated during the worst moment of their lives.”
Scale of Response
Over 25,000 residents and visitors were evacuated from Jasper and surrounding areas. WHS has committed 35 volunteers and $150,000 in emergency supplies, including hygiene kits, blankets, children’s supplies, and pet care items.
The organization, the non-profit humanitarian arm of WestNet Wireless, has developed its disaster response capacity over the past several years, drawing on the company’s communications expertise to fill a critical gap in emergency response.
Community Support
Donations to support the Jasper recovery effort have poured in from across Canada. WHS has set up a dedicated fund to provide direct financial assistance to families who lost their homes.
“Albertans take care of each other. That’s who we are,” said Santos. “We will be here as long as Jasper families need us — not just for the emergency, but for the long road to recovery.”
The wildfire, driven by extreme heat and drought conditions, destroyed approximately 360 structures in the townsite. The cause remains under investigation.