Fast-moving wildfires have destroyed up to half of the historic town of Jasper in Alberta, Canada. Firefighters are working tirelessly to save as many buildings as possible. Entire streets have been leveled, with smoldering rubble replacing once-standing homes.
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Cooling temperatures on Thursday provided some relief, but the fires remain out of control. Park authorities warn of more warm weather ahead. Meanwhile, neighboring British Columbia faces hundreds of active fires, and western US states, including California and Utah, are also battling blazes.
Although no deaths have been reported, around 20,000 tourists and 5,000 residents have fled Jasper, a popular tourist destination. Jasper National Park reported that approximately 36,000 hectares (89,000 acres) have burned. Nearby communities are currently not at risk.
Efforts to map the fires are challenged by strong winds, extreme fire conditions, and smoke. During a news conference, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, visibly emotional, described the devastation. She estimated that 30% to 50% of buildings had been destroyed and highlighted Jasper National Park's significance to the community and its reliance on tourism.
Rail, phone, and power services have been disrupted. Karyn Decore, owner of Maligne Lodge, was on holiday when she received a photo of her hotel in flames. "I was horrified and devastated," she told the BBC, expressing her intent to rebuild.
Hundreds of firefighters from around the world have been deployed, but officials warn that the full extent of the damage is still unknown. The immediate focus is on containing the towering flames, which engulfed the town from two sides. Pierre Martel of Parks Canada explained that a lightning storm ignited the fire, which rapidly escalated due to powerful winds.
Justin Trudeau, Canada's Prime Minister, thanked emergency services for their efforts. "As heartbreaking images from Jasper emerge, I want to thank the brave first responders fighting to save every home and community," he said.
This marks another challenging fire season for Alberta. Last year, a record 2.2 million hectares burned. British Columbia also faces over 400 wildfires, with dozens of evacuation orders issued. In the US, California's Park Fire has forced over 3,000 people to flee. The states of Oregon, Montana, and Utah are also battling wildfires.
