2022. 9. 7. 00:48ㆍ■ 국제/CANADA
Lightning-ignited Alberta wildfire grows more than 20 times in size (msn.com)
Lightning-ignited Alberta wildfire grows more than 20 times in size
The Chetamon wildfire, started by lightning, is burning out of control and has grown more than 20 times in size since Saturday, resulting in power outages in Jasper, Alta. It poses no threats to nearby communities at this time
www.msn.com
Lightning-ignited Alberta wildfire grows more than 20 times in size
Digital Writers - Yesterday 10:37 a.m.
An out-of-control wildfire inside Alberta's Jasper National Park has grown exponentially in size since Saturday -- more than 20 times, according to a Monday update from officials.
Parks Canada posted an update on the Chetamon wildfire Monday morning on social media, stating the blaze has expanded significantly and is now more than 8,000 hectares in size, approximately, as it is obscured by smoke -- way up from 400 hectares reported on Saturday.
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The agency says the growth can be attributed to the warm, dry and windy weather on Sunday, with the blaze extending into Snake Indian Valley.
However, there was rain Sunday overnight so the size could have changed. Parks Canada fire specialists will fly over the blaze Monday morning to assess if the rain had an impact on the fire activity.
"Critical infrastructure protection remains the top priority for this fire. Parks Canada, ATCO and the Municipality of Jasper have been and continue to prepare for various scenarios over the next few days to prepare for any possible significant changes in wildfire spread and direction," Parks Canada said in a statement.
As a result of the wildfire, there have been power outages in Jasper, Alta. ATCO Electricity says its crews are executing its emergency plan and working safely to switch over to generator power for the critical sites. Despite the growth of the fire and the electricity cut, there are no communities at risk at this time, Parks Canada said.
The blaze was ignited by lightning in the early morning hours on Thursday, Sept. 1.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued special air quality statements for areas around the Chetamon wildfire in Jasper National Park. Statements are also in place in other communities in Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan due to smoke pushing in from several ongoing blazes in Canada and the U.S.
"Wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility due to elevated values of fine particulate matter," ECCC said in the statement.
"Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk."
With files from Nathan Howes, a digital reporter at The Weather Network.
Thumbnail courtesy of Parks Canada/Kevin Gedling.
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