Thousands of inhabitants who fled Jasper, a popular tourist town in western Canada that was partially devastated by a major wildfire, were allowed to return Friday, according to authorities.
Three weeks ago, some 25,000 people and visitors were forced to abandon the area as the fire quickly grew beyond the capability of firefighters.
“It will be long, it will be difficult,” Mayor Richard Ireland wrote on social media Friday, adding that “we will rebuild, side by side, stronger than ever.”
The fire, started by lightning strikes in the drought-stricken area, burned more than 350 of the town’s 1,100 buildings, which is home to some 5,000 residents.
As of Thursday evening, the fire was believed to be 33,000 hectares (13,400 acres) in size, the largest in a century to strike huge Jasper National Park, which draws over 2.5 million tourists each year.
Authorities have warned that the fire might burn for months longer, scorching a region recognized as one of Canada’s natural wonders, with magnificent mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers.
Some inhabitants have found it impossible to return home after seeing their community has been disfigured and destroyed.
“When you enter the town and see the fire residue and everything around it, that’s when it gets emotional,” Clara Adriano, whose company was damaged, told national broadcaster CBC.
Alberta has a total of 104 active fires.
This summer, wildfires ravaged Canada’s western region.
Scientists believe that repeated heat waves and dry conditions, both of which are likely caused by global climate change, are major culprits.