Wildfires erupt in Jasper National Park in Canada and California, prompting evacuations
Wildfires have erupted in Jasper National Park in Canada and in Northern and Southern California, prompting mass evacuations and emergency responses. The fires in Jasper began last week, forcing approximately 25,000 residents to abandon their homes as flames spread and caused significant damage within the park and surrounding areas in Alberta. Mayor Richard Ireland described the situation as a nightmare, with nearly 1,900 firefighters deployed to protect critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage remains unclear.
Earlier today, the Canadian government approved federal assistance for Alberta, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated on social media that efforts are underway to coordinate firefighting activities and aerial support.
In British Columbia and Alberta, hundreds of wildfires have ignited, fueled by approximately 58,000 lightning strikes recorded in less than a week. Over 400 fires have been logged in British Columbia, with an additional 176 reported in Alberta.
In Northern California, evacuation orders have been issued for Butte and Tehama counties due to rapidly spreading fires. Reports indicate that the fire has expanded dramatically from 26 to 180 square kilometers. Meanwhile, evacuation orders in eastern Oregon were lifted after rain and cooler temperatures followed a thunderstorm.
However, emergency responders remain concerned about the potential for new fires ignited by lightning strikes, with over 2,800 detected across southeast Oregon and Idaho recently. No fatalities or damage to structures have been reported as first responders continue to battle existing blazes, particularly in challenging terrains in Southern California, where evacuation orders were also in effect in San Diego.