Canada battles massive wildfires

Fast-moving wildfires are feared to have decimated up to half of the historic tourist town of Jasper, Canada, with no end to the destruction in sight.

A 330ft “wall of fire” surged upon the town on Wednesday, and remains out of control, firefighters said.

Danielle Smith, the premier of Canada’s Alberta province, fought back tears as she estimated that 30 to 50 per cent of the town has potentially fallen victim to the flames.

She said authorities have not yet been able to get close enough to assess the damage to the postcard-perfect mountain town, famous for hiking, skiing, kayaking and biking.

Jasper was home to 5,000 full-time residents but approximately 25,000 people were evacuated earlier this week as the wildfire grew near.

#canada #widfire

[alfasdelpi]

We were there three weeks ago. A beautiful town, beautiful park and beautiful people. Best holiday ever. Now, back in the UK, me and wifey have been in tears. So so sad.

[dockaos]

Government setting wild fires again I see

[arieslaynes]

I visited your beautiful country from the UK some years ago touring around.
Jasper town and surrounding areas remain a strong happy memory for me.
However these fires may have started. I want to express my empathy for everyone affected and to wish you the best possible outcome of this tragedy.

[kevinrobb]

The beauty of nature is that it will return after a time

[audreymcleod]

Who is staring these fires. Think Maui.

[DavidGetling]

Absolutely heartbreaking. I can remember spending a few days hiking in Jasper National Park, and how beautiful it was.

[wendywallis]

How many times are they going to burn down this beautiful place and the animals people's homes

[marcuspd]

So are we blaming Russia, Brexit or Climate change n this one?

[thetimeisnow]

It could be Arsonists or DEW Weapons who knows ?

[Paul-gqtf]

I wonder if there is any connection between countries cloud seeding and forcing it to rain, like the floods in Dubai, where was all that rain naturally destined to fall?

[simontracey]

How many of the fires caused by arson? Poor forest management or discarded cigarettes.

[grinchthe]

How many water-bombers did Canada purchase this year?...

[dk]

We are praying for you every one living in Alberta. You are not alone.
The Lord has taken care of the matter.
All will be well.
Rév Loko

[SmartSwitch-tcmp]

Corey and Trevor had something to do with this.

[donnag]

I’m surprised the Times hasn’t blamed Russia.

[rico_cavalierie]

Where are the tree huggers? I don't see any of them handcuffed to any of these trees.

[keithstone]

This has happened for centuries, the land will recover.

[asia]

So they didn't even bother to mobilized some people to move the BUS out of the fire zone? They are going to sit there and let it all burn down?

[acedelserpente]

Born in alberta raised in alberta lived born here 1980s i saw one forest fire when i was kid then fires after 2016 when trudope took office every year is just me or did climate change take effect after trudeau became in power?

[DreamsOfFinland]

watching the flames spread so fast, breaks my heart. It takes a long time for nature to heal the wounds. Mother Nature talking to us. Honor Mother Earth. Keep firefighters safe.