According to the data of the local fire department in Canada, on the 25th local time, there were about 430 wildfires burning in Canada and Colombia, and more than 170 in Alberta. A third of them are out of control.
Wildfires have devastated the town of Jasper, one of Alberta's most popular and scenic tourist destinations, and about 25,000 people in the town have been evacuated.
▲Wildfires raging in Canada
Compared to Litton, a small town in British Colombia that was destroyed by wildfires in 2021, the town of Jasper is much larger in terms of size and fame. It is located within Jasper National Park, Canada's famous alpine national park, which was approved by UNESCO for inclusion on the World Heritage List in 1984 as part of the "Rocky Mountains National Park Group".
James · Isem, wildfire information officer with the Canada Parks Service, said in an interview: "Rescuers wearing oxygen cylinders are still trying to salvage the buildings [in the town]." Vital facilities, including hospitals, communications facilities and cross-mountain oil pipelines, remain at risk. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government "will mobilize all available necessary resources" to help put out the fire.
▲Wildfires raging in Canada
The fire began on July 22. Prolonged hot and dry weather led to flammable fire conditions, with a lightning strike about 30 kilometers south of Jasper that evening erupting into a completely out-of-control wildfire within minutes. On the morning of July 24, the fire was only five kilometers from the town; By 6 p.m., the persistently hot and windy weather allowed the flames into the town.
Fire officials said the wildfire that swept through Jasper was like a fast-moving wall of fire, "Firefighters saw fires as high as 100 to 150 meters, and the fire continued to spread at a rate of about 15 meters per minute." ”
Some analysts pointed out that during the fire, due to the huge gusts of wind, the fire moved 5 kilometers in less than 30 minutes and advanced to the town, and the firefighters were almost powerless in the face of this fire. In addition, the Canada Parks Service confirmed that many historic buildings in the heart of Jasper National Park had been destroyed by fire.
▲ St. Mary's and St. George's Anglican Church, a famous attraction in the town, has been burned down
Fire control officer Katie · Ellsworth said: "The forecast rainfall is not enough to control the fire, and residents and visitors are still not allowed to return to the community or enter the park. ”
So far, the area burned by the wildfire has approached 500 square kilometers, which is equivalent to four Vancouver cities.
Source: Red Star News