223 of these fires are out of control. The flames have also affected Jasper National Park in the west of the country, which is popular with tourists. It has been burning there for weeks.
Due to forest fire activity, the national park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is currently closed to visitors, the park’s website said. All camping reservations until September 3 have been cancelled. An area of more than 33,000 hectares is affected by the fires.
Apocalyptic feelings
Following an evacuation order, residents were able to return to Jasper last Friday after weeks, Canadian news agency Canadian Press reported. Almost a third of the urban structure was destroyed by the fires.
Photos showed entire neighborhoods falling victim to the flames. Burnt-out cars and charred trees were visible alongside the ruins of houses. “You feel like you’re part of an apocalypse or a war zone,” one resident was quoted as saying.
Last year, Canada was hit by forest fires on an unprecedented scale. In light of climate change, experts warn that fires will occur more frequently and have more destructive power.
