Wildfire torches Jasper national park
A wildfire burning through Alberta’s Jasper National Park has forced at least 25,000 people to flee the park and the Canadian tourist town of Jasper, as the flames move dangerously close to the community. (Reuters Image)
'Mobilizing every necessary resource available'
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on social media that Alberta had requested federal assistance with the fires, adding that “we’re mobilizing every necessary resource available.” (AP Image)
'All residents, visitors and responders are safe'
“Most importantly, there have been no reported injuries as the result of the Jasper Complex Wildfire. Approximately 25,000 people were safely evacuated from the town of Jasper and Jasper National Park. All residents, visitors, and responders are safe,” Parks Canada said in a post on X. (AP Image)
Officials evacuate 17,500 people
Alberta officials said 17,500 residents had been forced to leave their homes because of wildfires, while British Columbia has issued 19 evacuation orders and 29 evacuation alerts. Many communities in western Canada are blanketed by thick smoke, including Alberta's largest city Calgary where residents were advised to limit time outdoors. (Reuters photo)
What is causing fires?
May is particularly prone to wildfires in Alberta, as the snow has melted but the vegetation has not yet regrown, leaving the landscape extremely dry. According to the BC Wildfire Service, most spring wildfires are caused accidentally by humans, whereas later summer fires are more often triggered by lightning. (Reuters Image)
What is the role of climate change
Experts caution that it is challenging to assess the impact of climate change on a single fire season. However, with global warming, average temperatures in Canada are projected to rise. Coastal regions may experience more rainfall due to climate change, which could reduce wildfire risk. Yet, a warmer atmosphere is more effective at drawing moisture from soils, which can increase fire risk. (Reuters Image)