Jasper, July 26, 2024, The Europe Today: Up to half of the buildings in the Canadian town of Jasper have been damaged or destroyed by a fast-moving wildfire, authorities announced on Thursday.
The town, along with the surrounding mountainous Jasper National Park, was evacuated on Monday as a precaution. Jasper, a popular tourist destination in Alberta, attracts approximately 2 million visitors annually.
At the time of evacuation, an estimated 10,000 people, half of whom are full-time residents, were in the town. Another 15,000 visitors were present in the park.
Wall of Fire, 100 Meters High
Currently, 176 wildfires are raging in Alberta, with over 50 classified as out of control. In neighboring British Columbia, there are 423 active wildfires.
The fires that struck Jasper flared up on Monday and Tuesday, advancing and growing faster than expected. Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis described a gust of wind driving one of the fires about 5 kilometers (around 3 miles) in just half an hour. By the time it reached Jasper, the flames had formed a 100-meter-high wall of fire.
“Any firefighter will tell you there is little to nothing you can do when a wall of fire like that is coming at you,” Ellis stated. “Nobody anticipated the fire to come so fast, so large.”
Jasper’s ‘Worst Nightmare’
“This is the worst nightmare for any community,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told reporters, acknowledging the significant damage and the ongoing struggle to control the fire.
“We’re seeing potentially 30% to 50% structural damage … that’s going to be a significant rebuild,” Smith said, her voice breaking with emotion. Jasper, renowned for its hiking, skiing, kayaking, and biking opportunities, is also home to numerous species of wildlife, including elk, mountain goats, cougars, lynx, black bears, and grizzly bears.
Town Mayor Richard Ireland expressed his profound sorrow in a letter on the town’s website, stating that the wildfire had “ravaged our beloved community.”
“The destruction and loss that many of you are facing and feeling is beyond description and comprehension,” Ireland wrote. “My deepest sympathies go out to each of you.”
Future Rebuilding Efforts
As authorities continue to battle the fires, the focus will shift to recovery and rebuilding efforts in Jasper. The community and its supporters will undoubtedly come together to restore the town, preserving its natural beauty and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors.
