Jasper: Following wildfires, 25,000 people have been evacuated from Town of Jasper in Alberta. According to officials, the wildfires are so severe that buildings have been burnt.
Officials from Jasper National Park wrote on X that the fire has raged through the park and caused “significant loss” in the nearby town.
In Alberta and British Columbia (B.C.), hundreds of wildfires are burning.
Following a three-week heatwave, the area has had more than 58,000 lightning strikes in the past week, which have started new fires, according to BC Wildfire Service.
With assistance from personnel from Alaska and Australia, about 1,900 firefighters from Alberta have been dispatched to rescue local infrastructure.
The fire first had been reported in Jasper last week. Mayor Richard Ireland said the community was dealing with its “worst nightmare”.
On Facebook early on Thursday morning, he worte, “I write to you today with profound sorrow as we begin to come to terms with the devastating impact of last night’s wildfire that has ravaged our beloved community.”
“The destruction and loss that many of you are facing and feeling is beyond description and comprehension; my deepest sympathies go out to each of you.”
First responders were still at work, Ireland said. He said first responders are trying to save the town from being destroyed any more.