Up to 50% of structures may have been destroyed in Jasper from wildfires: officials say

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has revealed that potentially 30-50% of buildings have been destroyed in Jasper, Alberta following a series of fast-moving wildfires.

Around 25,000 people have reportedly been evacuated from Alberta province, while the town of Jasper and adjacent National Park have been closed until further notice.

Smith added, “For many generations, the town of Jasper and the parks surrounding it have been a source of pride, with some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire world. Alberta’s government will provide the support needed to families and communities to recover, and to rebuild stronger than ever.”

Providing comments on the event, Aon’s Impact Forecasting team said, “After rapid growth on July 22-24, the Jasper Complex Fire prompted local officials to declare a state of emergency for the town of Jasper.

“The intensity of the flames and smoke has also forced some emergency personnel to relocate to the nearby town of Hinton.

“According to Jasper National Park officials, significant material loss due to the fire complex has occurred within the town. However, details on damage extent are currently unavailable as the fires continue to burn out of control.

“While local reports from each of the aforementioned wildfires have indicated some level of damage, no official damage estimates have been conducted as of this writing. Therefore, it is too early to determine loss figures given that each incident is still evolving in real-time.”

Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, commented on the relief efforts thus far, stating, “As the heartbreaking images from Jasper emerge, I want to thank the brave first responders who are in Alberta right now, fighting to save every home and every community they can.”

The post Up to 50% of structures may have been destroyed in Jasper from wildfires: officials say appeared first on ReinsuranceNe.ws.