Rain Offers Hope to Firefighters in Battle Against Jasper Wildfire

Authorities report that steady rain is aiding efforts to control a massive wildfire raging in Jasper. The wildfire has devastated much of the town, leading to evacuations and significant damage. Despite the welcome rainfall, warm weather is expected to increase fire activity. Critical infrastructure remains intact.

Authorities report steady rainfall is aiding firefighters in their effort to control a massive wildfire that has devastated Jasper, a western Canadian tourist town.

Situated in the mountainous Jasper National Park in Alberta, the wildfire has destroyed or damaged up to half of the town's structures. Parks Canada noted that 10 to 15 mm of rain had fallen by Thursday, helping to keep the fire behavior low for the next 72 hours.

"Crews will take advantage of this time to make as much progress as possible to suppress the wildfire and reduce further spread," authorities stated. Despite the rain, warm weather is forecasted to increase wildfire activity. Specific details on the number of buildings lost have yet to be provided. Post-evacuation, critical infrastructure like the hospital and schools remain protected, although the Jasper Park Lodge did suffer some damage. The federal government had earlier warned of a catastrophic year for wildfires due to high temperatures and dry forests.

(With inputs from agencies.)