A devastating wildfire in the western Canadian town of Jasper has destroyed about a third of the structures in the area, prompting mass evacuations of residents and tourists. The wildfire, part of the Jasper Wildfire Complex, has burned 36,000 hectares and is still out of control despite rain and cooler temperatures aiding firefighting efforts.
As of late Thursday, about 32 percent of structures in the town of Jasper have been destroyed, with at least 358 out of 1,113 buildings lost. The evacuation order affected roughly 10,000 residents and 15,000 visitors who were inside the national park at the time.
The wildfire season in North America has been particularly severe, with hundreds of fires burning in western Canada and the western United States. The climate crisis has been cited as a major factor in the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires, with warmer temperatures and drier conditions allowing fires to spread more rapidly.
In 2023, Canada experienced its most intense fire season on record, with over 6,600 wildfires burning 15 million hectares. In the US, more than 110 active fires were reported, including the Park Fire in California, which destroyed over 130 structures, and the Durkee Fire in Oregon, which has burned nearly 1,630 square kilometers.
The devastating impacts of wildfires, including loss of life and property, underscore the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis and prevent further destruction from wildfires.
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