The western United States and Canada are grappling with a series of devastating wildfires, with California’s Park Fire emerging as the largest and most destructive blaze of 2024. The fire, which started on Wednesday near Chico in Butte County, has rapidly expanded to over 160,000 acres in just two days, forcing the evacuation of more than 4,000 residents.Authorities have arrested a 42-year-old man from Chico on suspicion of arson, alleging that he started the fire by pushing a burning car into a gully in Bidwell Park. The suspect is being held without bail as the investigation continues. The Park Fire, only 3% contained as of Friday morning, has been fueled by a combination of dry vegetation, hot weather, and strong winds.Meanwhile, in Canada, a massive wildfire dubbed the ‘monster fire’ by local authorities has devastated the town of Jasper in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. The blaze has destroyed approximately 30-50% of the structures in this popular tourist destination, forcing the evacuation of an estimated 25,000 residents and visitors. Jasper National Park, which typically attracts over 2 million tourists annually, has been closed due to the fire.The situation remains critical across North America, with Oregon’s Durkee Fire currently standing as the largest active blaze in the United States. Climate scientists warn that the increased frequency and intensity of these wildfires are linked to climate change, which is contributing to drier conditions and more frequent lightning strikes.Firefighting efforts continue across the affected regions, with international support pouring in. Canada is set to welcome 400 firefighters from Mexico, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand in the coming days to assist with their efforts. Despite a brief respite from rain in some areas, authorities remain vigilant as hot weather is expected to return, potentially exacerbating the already dire situation.
Key points
- California’s Park Fire, the state’s largest wildfire of 2024, has burned over 160,000 acres and forced thousands to evacuate.
- A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson for allegedly starting the Park Fire.
- In Canada, a ‘monster fire’ has devastated up to 50% of Jasper, Alberta, a popular tourist town.
- Climate change is contributing to the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires across North America.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported size of the Park Fire, with estimates ranging from 146,000 to 164,286 acres.
👾The number of evacuees in California varies across reports, with figures ranging from 4,000 to ‘tens of thousands’.
