A historic ski resort in the Rocky Mountains has been devastated by a “monstrous” 330-foot-high wildfire, which has burned 50% of the nearest town to the ground.
The popular tourist destination of Jasper in the Canadian province of Alberta has been rocked by the inferno, which has even reached a luxury hotel that was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II.
Although the city has just 5,000 permanent residents, 25,000 people fled the area overnight as flames rose higher than the treetops, devastating up to half of its structures, authorities said Thursday.
There were no immediate reports of injuries, following a mass evacuation of the picturesque resort and a neighboring national park earlier in the week, but Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland said in a letter on the town’s website that the wildfire “devastated our beloved community.”
“The destruction and loss that so many of you are facing and feeling is beyond description and comprehension; my deepest condolences to each and every one of you,” he said.
A historic ski resort in the Rocky Mountains has been devastated by a “monstrous” 330-foot-high wildfire, which has burned 50% of the nearest town to the ground.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said 30 to 50 percent of the city’s structures are potentially damaged or destroyed, which will require “significant rebuilding and significant displacement.”
Ms Smith was brought to tears as she spoke of the beauty of Jasper, which is visited by many tourists. for activities such as hiking, skiing, kayaking and cycling.
The blaze was also confirmed to have spread to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a 100-year-old retreat beloved by the royal family.
The late Queen and Prince Philip stayed at the hotel in 2005, almost 70 years after Princess Margaret, King George VI and their daughter, the future monarch, were guests in 1936.
The hotel said it was “unsure of the extent of the damage” caused by the fire.
Jasper is also famous for its variety of wildlife, being home to animals such as moose, mountain goats, cougars, bobcats, black bears and grizzly bears.
Speaking at a news conference in Edmonton, Alberta, while pledging his government’s support for the community to rebuild, Smith added: “We share the sense of loss with everyone who lives in the city.”
Parks Canada officials later said all critical infrastructure was protected, including the hospital, schools and wastewater treatment plant.
They said the most significant structural damage was concentrated on the west side of the city. Some bridges around the city and throughout the park were damaged.
An aerial photograph shows smoke from wildfires rising over Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada, on July 24, 2024.
Smoke rises as wildfires continue to grow in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada, July 24, 2024
The popular tourist destination of Jasper in the Canadian province of Alberta has been hit by an inferno.
Jasper and neighboring Jasper National Park had been threatened by fires from both the north and south, forcing residents and visitors to flee at short notice on Monday and Tuesday when the fires broke out.
One of the fires spread to the southern end of the community Wednesday night as firefighters tried to limit the damage.
Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis said a gust of wind moved the wildfire about five kilometres (about three miles) in likely less than 30 minutes toward the town with a wall of fire he estimated to be 100 metres high.
“People have to imagine what those who were fighting the wildfires at that time were going through. Any firefighter will tell you there’s not much you can do when you’re faced with a wall of fire like that,” Ellis said. “No one anticipated the fire coming so fast or so big.”
Pierre Martel, director of fire management for Parks Canada, said lightning, winds and dry conditions caused the fire to grow rapidly on Monday and flames were above the treetops when it entered the city on Wednesday.
“At that point, it’s just a monster. We don’t have any tools in our box to deal with it at that point. You get out of the way, you retreat,” he said.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Parks Canada said “no injuries have been reported.”
He added: “Approximately 25,000 people have been safely evacuated from the town of Jasper and Jasper National Park. All residents, visitors and emergency personnel are safe.”
Annelies Lagger, who has owned and lived at the Austrian Haven B&B for 30 years, said she is still waiting to hear whether her home and business have been destroyed after she fled with her pets – 13 cats and a dog.
The blaze was also confirmed to have spread to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a 100-year-old retreat beloved by the royal family.
The late Queen and Prince Philip stayed at the hotel in 2005, almost 70 years after Princess Margaret, King George VI and their daughter, the future monarch, were guests in 1936.
Ms Lagger said: “I have no idea where I’m going now. Heaven or hell? It was my life. You can imagine how much work it took me,” she said. “I think I’m in shock.”
He said his relatives, including his daughter and son-in-law, saw their homes destroyed.
“It was the heat that dried everything up. And now the village has disappeared,” he added.
Lagger was sheltering with a stranger in Valemount, British Columbia, but said she will eventually have to find new homes for her family members and “for my animals.”
“I’m a very tough woman. No matter what happens, I’ll start over even though I’m 82 years old,” she continued.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his administration has approved Alberta’s request for federal assistance, including military resources.
Considered a national treasure, Jasper National Park was designated a World Heritage Site in 1984 for its stunning mountain scenery, which is part of the Canadian Rockies.
The wildfire came after Alberta was hit by scorching temperatures that have already forced another 7,500 people to flee remote communities.
Considered a national treasure, Jasper National Park was designated a World Heritage Site in 1984.
Jasper is also famous for its variety of wildlife, being home to animals such as moose, mountain goats, cougars, bobcats, black bears and grizzly bears.
Some 176 wildfires were burning across the province, including 54 that were out of control.
Alberta Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said many of the fires are caused by lightning, while Alberta wildfire spokeswoman Christie Tucker said firefighters expect strong winds to increase the danger level.
Tucker said hundreds of firefighters from Australia, Mexico, New Zealand and South Africa are arriving to help battle wildfires across the province.
A record number of wildfires in 2023 forced more than 235,000 people across Canada to evacuate and sent thick smoke into parts of the U.S., causing hazy skies and health alerts in several American cities.
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