Monster wildfires have turned as much as 50% of the historic Canadian town of Jasper, Alberta into ashes as of Thursday and at least 25,000 people fled the raging flames earlier in the week, according to media reports.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ordered the military to help battle the 176 wildfires raging through the province.
“Hundreds of firefighters from countries such as Mexico, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia are either already in Canada or on their way to support local efforts,” Trudeau said in a statement.
An Alberta fire official said there are currently about 400 firefighters in Jasper.
As well as ravaging the town and Jasper National Park – about 2 million visit the area in the Canadian Rocky Mountains annually, and many of the 25,000 who were evacuated are tourists – there was concern the fire could threaten the Trans Mountain Pipeline, which runs through the park.
“Structural firefighters remain in town and are working to save as many structures as possible and to protect critical infrastructure, including the wastewater treatment plant, communications facilities, the Trans Mountain Pipeline and others,” Parks Canada posted on social media.
The pipeline carries about 890,000 barrels of oil a day from Edmonton, Alberta to the Pacific coast in British Columbia.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith held back tears several times and was forced to take pauses as she held a news conference Thursday, CBC News reported.
“There is no denying that this is the worst nightmare for any community,” Smith said. “To the residents of Jasper and those displaced far away, looking at images of your town on TV and online, the feelings of loss and fear and loneliness must be overwhelming. But you are not alone. All Albertans are with you.”
Trudeau was to speak to Smith on the Jasper fire Thursday.
While there are 176 wildfires in Alberta, there are another 424 burning in the neighboring province of British Columbia and 1,229 firefighters are battling those blazes, the Toronto Star reported.
