A devastating wildfire in the western Canadian town of Jasper has destroyed about a third of the structures, according to the town council. The fire, which is part of the Jasper Wildfire Complex, has ravaged approximately 36,000 hectares in Alberta’s Jasper National Park, prompting the evacuation of the town and the park’s two million annual visitors. Although rain and cooler conditions have helped to subdue the fire, officials warn that it remains out of control and unsafe for residents to return.
The wildfire season, exacerbated by the impact of the global climate crisis, has been particularly intense in North America. In 2023, Canada experienced its most severe fire season on record, while the western United States also faced numerous blazes. Scientists attribute the prolonged wildfire season to warmer temperatures and drier conditions caused by climate change, as well as an increase in lightning strikes.
In the US, the largest active fire in California, the Park Fire, has destroyed over 130 structures, while in Oregon, a firefighting pilot tragically lost his life in a tanker plane crash. Despite the ongoing efforts of firefighters in both countries, wildfires continue to burn across the region, underscoring the urgent need to address the escalating impact of the climate crisis on wildfire activity.
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