A new report on the wildfire that tore through Jasper reveals that while local crews and Parks Canada worked in coordination, the Alberta government’s involvement complicated the response. Commissioned by the town and based on input from firefighters and responders, the report highlights how a third of Jasper’s buildings were lost to the fast-moving blaze within the national park. Despite not having jurisdictional authority, the province reportedly disrupted the unified command structure with constant information demands and attempts to influence decisions. This interference, the report says, diverted critical time and attention away from managing the fire and coordinating the return of residents.