Beetle-killed trees in Jasper National Park contributed to a devastating wildfire, but extreme winds, hot temperatures, and dry conditions were the primary drivers.
Forest scientists say that beetle-killed trees in Jasper National Park contributed to, but were not the main cause of, the devastating wildfire that destroyed hundreds of homes. Extreme winds, hot temperatures, and dry conditions drove the fire, while dead trees, though flammable, would likely have been consumed even in a healthy forest. Jasper's forests have been affected by mountain pine beetles for two decades, with a cold snap in 2019 killing off most of them.
July 27, 2024
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