CANADIAN TOURIST TOWN JASPER RAVAGED BY WILDFIRE

Fri 26 July 2024:

A fierce wildfire has devastated the western Canadian tourist town of Jasper, potentially destroying up to 50 percent of its structures. Firefighters are working tirelessly to save as many buildings as possible.

Evacuation and Impact on Tourism

Jasper, located in the mountainous Jasper National Park in Alberta, was evacuated on Monday. The park and town, which attract over two million tourists annually, had up to 10,000 people in the town and an additional 15,000 visitors in the park at the time of evacuation.

Devastating wildfire burns down part of western Canadian tourist town

A raging wildfire has devastated the western Canadian tourist town of Jasper, potentially
destroying up to 50% of structures, and firefighters were working on Thursday to save as
many buildings as possible,… pic.twitter.com/JjBXvYPrCb

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) July 25, 2024

Government Response and Community Impact

“There is no denying that this is the worst nightmare for any community,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, tearfully addressing reporters. “We’re seeing potentially 30 percent to 50 percent structural damage … that’s going to be a significant rebuild,” she added, noting that the fire remained out of control.

Parks Canada reported a “significant loss” of buildings in Jasper but could not provide specific details or identify the areas affected, urging residents not to return.

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Extensive Damage and International Support

Videos from Jasper show vehicles and entire blocks burned to the ground, including a historic Anglican church. The federal government, along with other cities in Alberta, is sending emergency crews. Additionally, 400 firefighters from Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and South Africa are expected to arrive in the coming days.

Widespread Wildfires and Federal Action

Alberta is currently battling 176 wildfires, more than 50 of which are out of control. Around 10 of these fires are near the border with British Columbia, where there are 423 wildfires and numerous evacuation orders and alerts.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a meeting of the Incident Response Group to address the Alberta wildfires. “Every federal agency is coordinated, sending resources to Jasper, deploying evacuations support to the area, and reinforcing firefighting efforts on the ground,” Trudeau stated on X.

The federal government had warned in April that high temperatures and dry forests could result in a catastrophic wildfire season in Canada. The Jasper fire was sparked by a lightning strike on Monday afternoon and was fueled by strong winds, according to Parks Canada.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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