BURSTA few days after thousands of people were evacuated from Jasper National Park due to two wildfires, officials say the worst case scenario has happened. One of the wildfires reached the the historic mountain town of Jasper last night in the form of a firestorm with flames up to 400 feet tall.
“As the pictures and videos circulating online show, significant loss has occurred within the townsite,” said Jasper National Park’s official Twitter page. “We are sensitive that residents, business owners, visitors and those with connections to Jasper want to know the state of their homes, businesses, treasures and favourite places.”
Officials have reported “significant loss,” as critical infrastructure, such as the hospital and communication centres, were under threat. Water bombers couldn’t assist in the fight due to dangerous flying conditions and most wildfire fighters were also evacuated from town.
Wildfires have also forced people to evacuate from the Columbia Valley in eastern B.C., another area home to several mountain towns. Will Gadd, one of the world’s most accomplished ice climbers, shared this note on Facebook on July 24: “Tonight a lot of dreams and memories are burning in Jasper and the Golden/Nicholson/Parson area. Please take care and err on the side of caution this evening and tonight in the Columbia Valley, the fires are burning bigger and faster than many thought possible. Some friends are literally trying to outrun fires, this is a very serious situation.”
Jasper Wildfire
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