Wildfires Scorch Western US and Canada, Forcing Massive Evacuations

Hundreds of wildfires have broken out across the western US and Canada. They've forced evacuations of tens of thousands of people. And they've sent waves of smoke across the continent, forcing air quality alerts in at least a dozen states on Thursday.

One million acres in Oregon and Washington were ablaze Thursday from 43 active wildfires. The largest of these, the Durkee fire, has scorched 268,000 acres near the Idaho border, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) said. To the south, the Park fire in California has burned over 45,000 acres. It's also forced evacuations near Chico.

As of midday Thursday, the Durkee fire hadn't been contained at all. The Park fire was just 3% contained, the NIFC said. 

Meanwhile, in Canada, firefighters are battling 178 active wildfires. One blaze swept through the Jasper National Forest. It struck the town bearing the same name. This prompted 25,000 residents to flee, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported. The fire spread at a rate of 49 feet per second. It carried flames as tall as 400 feet. It swept through the town, burning homes and businesses. Among them was the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. It's a famous resort in the region.    

A viral video taken by a truck driver showed many city blocks on fire. In the background, a voice can be heard saying: “That’s Mom and Dad’s house.” 

In a public statement, Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland called on residents to rally in response to the fire. 

"This experience is (highly) traumatic for each of us," Ireland said. "Your resilience and strength have always been the backbone of our community. In the coming days and weeks, we will rally together, support one another, and begin the daunting process of recovery."  

Reflect: What do you think are the biggest challenges people face when dealing with wildfires?