A wildfire that rapidly expanded in the Canadian Rockies has devastated the town of Jasper, causing thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate. The fire swept through the community on Wednesday night, and on Thursday, the first images of the destruction were shared on social media, leaving many speechless.
Danielle Smith, the premier of Alberta province, estimated that 30% to 50% of the town's structures are potentially damaged or destroyed. She described Jasper as a beloved mountain town, known for its outdoor activities and wildlife, including elk, mountain goats, cougars, lynx, black bears, and grizzly bears. Smith pledged her government's support for the community to rebuild.
The mayor of Jasper expressed his deepest sympathies to the residents, acknowledging the indescribable loss they are facing. Jasper, home to about 5,000 full-time residents, also saw at least 20,000 tourists evacuated from Jasper National Park, a World Heritage Site that attracts millions of visitors annually.
The wildfire, fueled by lightning, winds, and drought, grew rapidly before hitting the town. Pierre Martel from Parks Canada described the fire as a 'monster,' noting that firefighters were overwhelmed by its intensity. Images from fire crews show hollowed-out homes and a church largely burned to the ground. Despite the destruction, there were no immediate reports of injuries.
Hundreds of wildfires are still burning across Western Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has approved federal assistance, including military support, to help with the crisis. In a later interview, Mayor Richard Ireland got emotional, expressing relief that residents had enough time to evacuate.
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