Rain and cooler weather bring relief to Jasper fire

Rain and cooler temperatures provided some relief to firefighters battling the rapidly spreading fires that may have destroyed half of the historic Canadian town of Jasper.

Jasper National Park said weather conditions could keep the fires under control for the next 72 hours.

On Thursday evening, around 10-15 mm (0.4-0.5 in) of rain fell in the national park as emergency services seized the opportunity to suppress the wildfire and limit its spread.

But authorities say the fire is still not under control and relief may only be temporary as warmer, drier weather is forecast.

Park officials said in an update that fire activity has “significantly decreased” due to the change in weather.

Entire streets in the Alberta city have been destroyed by fires. Video footage released Wednesday showed smoldering rubble where homes once stood.

The worst structural damage from the fire is seen on the west side of town, Jasper National Park reported late Thursday night local time.

Firefighters managed to prevent “significant” damage on the east side of the city.

Officials were able to confirm that critical infrastructure had been protected, including the hospital, public schools and activity center, and the sewage treatment plant.

According to the park, “several homes and businesses were lost,” as well as a number of bridges in the city and in the park itself.

So far, about 36,000 hectares (89,000 acres) of land have been affected.