A raging wildfire has prompted the evacuation of Jasper National Park in Western Canada, as thousands of residents have fled their homes due to the large blazes that have been raging for the past four days.
The authorities in Alberta, Canada, issued an emergency alert on Monday for Jasper National Park and the municipality of Jasper, warning of the wildfire threat from a blaze located south of the town. As of Monday, there were over 160 active wildfires in the province of Alberta, with approximately 7,500 individuals under evacuation orders.
The Semo Complex fire, which has already burned 96,000 acres, stands out as one of the largest wildfires in Alberta, with many of these blazes categorized as “out of control.”
Canada is bracing for a challenging wildfire season, with forecasts suggesting that this year’s situation could surpass the record-breaking blazes of the previous year. In 2020, wildfires scorched millions of acres and cast a blanket of smoke that reached as far south as Florida in the United States.
Experts have pointed out that the increased risk of large wildfires in Canada is linked to climate change. The wildfire season in the country typically spans from March to October, and the ongoing blazes have already triggered air quality warnings in areas such as Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Home to a population of around 5,000 residents, Jasper sees an influx of up to 12,000 seasonal workers annually. Jasper National Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
