Enormous forest fires have destroyed up to half of the scenic Canadian town of Jasper in the national park of the same name. Around 25,000 people have been forced to evacuate.
Entire blocks have been consumed by the flames and videos show glowing embers where houses once stood. Several people have testified that the fire swept in like a wall of fire with flames that were up to 100 meters high, according to several media outlets.
Cooler temperatures have brought some relief, but the fires were still not under control on Friday, according to the national park, which is also warning of continued hot weather ahead.
Around 25,000 people, including 5,000 permanent residents, have been forced to flee with short notice since Monday evening when the fires flared up.
Around 36,000 hectares of land have been affected so far, but an exact figure is difficult to establish at present. Airplanes have not been able to take off in their attempts to map the fire due to strong winds, the extreme nature of the fire, and smoke.
Most of the attempts to curb the fire in the beginning have failed. Water bombers were forced to retreat due to the dangerous conditions, with the fire situation changing minute by minute.
Jasper National Park was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1984, due to its magnificent mountain landscape. The national park is located in the Rocky Mountains, in the province of Alberta.
Alberta has experienced high temperatures recently, and nearly 180 fires are raging in the province. Many of the fires have started due to lightning strikes.
