Fast-moving wildfire in the Canadian Rockies ravages the picturesque resort town of Jasper WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio [Video]

GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alberta — (AP) — A fast-moving wildfire in the Canadian Rockies that had prompted 25,000 people to flee roared into the near-deserted town of Jasper overnight with flames higher than treetops, devastating up to half of its structures, officials said Thursday.

There were no immediate reports of injuries, following a mass evacuation of the picturesque resort and a neighboring national park earlier in the week, but Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland said in a letter on the town’s website that the wildfire “ravaged our beloved community.”

“The destruction and loss that many you are facing and feeling is beyond description and comprehension, my deepest sympathies go out to each of you,” he said.

Danielle Smith, the premier of Alberta province, said from 30% to 50% of the town’s structures are potentially damaged or destroyed, saying “that’s going to be a significant rebuild and significant displacement.”

Smith teared up talking …