Wildfire in Canadian Rockies’ largest national park ravages town of Jasper

People evacuate because of wildfires early in Jasper (Carolyn Campbell/The Canadian Press via AP)

A fast-moving wildfire in the Canadian Rockies that prompted thousands of people to flee the town of Jasper roared into the near-deserted community overnight – causing devastating damage, the mayor said on Thursday.

Officials said it was too early to confirm how many houses were burned, but Jasper mayor Richard Ireland said in a letter to residents on the town’s website that the wildfire “ravaged our beloved community”.