Multiple wildfires in the Jasper area prompted an evacuation alert for the region Monday night.
The fire became so intense on Wednesday that Parks Canada withdrew wildland firefighters to safety. A wildfire that destroyed buildings in Jasper less than 48 hours after it began at least 12 kilometres away became a "monster" that firefighters were helpless to stop, says Parks Canada.
The wind, which blew as fast as 100 kilometres per hour, was relentless enough to push the flames five kilometres along the parched landscape in less than an hour at one point on Wednesday, Martel said. Mike Flannigan, a wildfire expert and professor at Kamloops' Thompson Rivers University, says a trifecta of weather, geography and fuels can determine the severity of a wildfire.
In these conditions, the airborne embers the fire is spewing out can travel a couple of kilometres, Flannigan said. It leaves natural firebreaks like rivers, lakes and roads futile to stop the spread. Firefighting work will likely continue for weeks in the townsite and the forest, said Victoria, B.C.-based Daniel Perrakis, a fire research scientist with the Canadian Forest Service.
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Multiple structures ablaze as wildfire roars into Jasper, Alta., townsiteThe park's social media account said the fire has caused significant loss within the townsite, but the specific locations or neighbourhoods affected are not being reported.
Read more »
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Multiple structures ablaze as wildfire roars into Jasper, Alta., townsiteEDMONTON — One of two raging, wind-whipped fires menacing Jasper, Alta., has roared into town and begun burning buildings. Park officials say the fire entered the southern edge of the community at about 6:40 p.m.
Read more »
Multiple structures ablaze as wildfire roars into Jasper, Alta., townsiteEDMONTON — One of two raging, wind-whipped fires menacing Jasper, Alta., has roared into town and begun burning buildings. Park officials say the fire entered the southern edge of the community at about 6:40 p.m.
Read more »
Multiple structures ablaze as wildfire roars into Jasper, Alta., townsiteEDMONTON — One of two raging, wind-whipped fires menacing Jasper, Alta., has roared into town and begun burning buildings. Park officials say the fire entered the southern edge of the community at about 6:40 p.m.
Read more »