Jasper ordered to evacuate as multiple fires burn in the national park
An evacuation order has been issued for the Town of Jasper in Jasper National Park due to multiple wildfires burning in the park.
“There is a wildfire south of town. An Evacuation Order has been issued for the Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park,” the Alberta Emergency Alert read, which was issued at 10:18 pm.
The alert added that:
- Everyone in Jasper and Jasper National Park must evacuate now
- The fire is NOT expected to reach the community in 5 hours (a previous alert erroneously stated that it would)
- The town should be evacuated in 5 hours
- Please drive safe
- Use Highway 16 towards British Columbia
- Follow directions from local authorities
- Bring identification, important documents, medication, pets and your emergency kit with you
- Check the Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park’s Facebook page and website for more information
- If you need a ride, go to the Activity Centre, Forest Park Hotel or Maligne Lodge.
RCMP is also advising that that Highway 16 will be closed for west bound travel at the Jasper park gates, on the east side. East bound access to Jasper will also be closed during these fire fighting efforts, and travel is not recommended west of Hinton.
Mounties added that if you are travelling west, detour north through Grande Prairie on Hwy 40 or south to Hwy 1 through to British Columbia. Where travelling from British Columbia to Alberta, at this time detour south on Hwy 1 or north on Hwy 2.
“Please avoid the Jasper National Park area along Highway 16 and allow first responders to do their jobs safely,” the press release stated.
Photos shared with Daily Hive from the Jasper townsite showed large plumes of smoke in the sky.
Catherine Coates Walts/Facebook
Catherine Coates Walts/Facebook
Earlier this evening the Jasper National Park Facebook page mentioned that “Parks Canada fire crews and the Jasper Fire Department are responding to a wildfire around the transfer station, located approximately 9 km northeast of the Jasper townsite.”
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