Wildfires have ravaged up to half of the historic Canadian town of Jasper, and the fires are still burning as firefighters try to save what they can, according to BBC.
Entire streets in Jasper National Park, a popular tourist destination, have been destroyed, with video showing smoldering ruins and burnt cars.
No deaths have been reported, but about 20,000 tourists and 5,000 residents have evacuated the area in Alberta province. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, visibly emotional, said that 30 to 50 percent of the town’s buildings might be gone, calling it the community’s “worst nightmare.”
The fires started from a lightning storm and quickly grew out of control due to strong winds. The flames reached heights of up to 100 meters, spreading rapidly. The fire has been so intense that even experienced firefighters are struggling to contain it.
Local business owner Karyn Decore, who saw her hotel destroyed in the fire, expressed her shock and heartbreak, while BBC journalist Wendy Hurrell, who had to flee the area, described the devastation of losing Jasper’s natural beauty.
Firefighters from around the world are on the scene, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau thanked the emergency responders, and Environment Canada hinted that rain might help soon.
The fires are part of a larger pattern of severe wildfires in North America, with scientists linking these extreme conditions to climate change. The situation in Jasper reflects a broader trend of increasing natural disasters driven by global warming.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyj423n2jdgo