In the Canadian province of Alberta, severe wildfires have engulfed the city of Jasper and damaged parts of Jasper National Park — a popular tourist destination known for its scenic roads, mountain ranges, and emerald lakes. The fire has become the largest in Jasper National Park in the past 100 years.
The situation developed rapidly. Due to the approaching fire, an emergency evacuation was announced on the evening of July 22. Approximately 20,000 park visitors and 5,000 Jasper residents were forced to flee in the dark with little time to prepare.
One tourist shared the experience she and her children endured that night. The most challenging part was the three-hour wait in line to leave the park while ash accumulated on their car and smoke filled the air. They then had to drive along a road surrounded by flames. The fire advanced five kilometers in less than 30 minutes, forming a 100-meter-high wall of flames. “In such conditions, there is little you can do when a wall of fire is approaching you like that,” she added.
Pierre Martel, Director of the National Fire Management Program at Parks Canada, stated, “We do not have the tools in our arsenal to handle this.”
Driven by strong winds, the fire reached the city of Jasper despite ongoing efforts to contain it. Within a few hours, the fire devastated the city. Entire streets were reduced to ashes. Out of 1,113 buildings, 358 were destroyed. Several bridges around the city and throughout the national park, including the Moberly Bridge and the Old Fort Point Bridge, were also damaged.
A drop in temperature and rainfall in the region on Thursday somewhat alleviated the efforts of firefighters working to control the blaze. However, as of Saturday, July 27, the wildfire status in Jasper National Park was still classified as “out of control.”
Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, the most critical city facilities were protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, primary and secondary schools, activity center, and wastewater treatment facilities.
The fire’s estimated area is around 88,000 acres.
“This is every community's worst nightmare,” noted Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, holding back tears.
Other municipalities across the country are also on high alert.
Abnormally high temperatures, dry lightning, and strong winds are contributing to the ignition and rapid spread of fires across Western Canada. Currently, there are 175 wildfires burning in Alberta, 51 of which are out of control. In the neighboring province of British Columbia, 425 active fires are reported, with 59 igniting within the past 24 hours.
At the international forum “Global Crisis. The Responsibility,” data was presented on the escalating fires and other climate catastrophes around the world, as well as their causes and other factors indicating an impending crisis.
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