JASPER – Thousands have been ordered to evacuate the Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park as a wildfire danger closes in on the mountain municipality.
The Alberta government posted an emergency alert at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Monday night (July 22) stating “everyone in Jasper must evacuate now.”
“Use Highway 16 towards British Columbia. Follow directions from local authorities. Bring identification, important documents, medication, pets and your emergency kit with you. We will publish more information about assembly points soon,” the statement said.
The wildifre is currently south and northeast of the town.
At about 7:30 p.m., Parks Canada issued an alert that fire crews and the Jasper Fire Department were responding to a wildfire near the transfer station, about nine kilometres northeast of the townsite. Fire crews were also responding to multiple wildfires in a "evolving and dynamic situation" before issuing a preventative evacuation notice at about 9 p.m.
Several highways surrounding the townsite were also closed prior to the leadup to the evacuation order and the Municipality of Jasper declared a state of emergency at about 9:30 p.m. Monday night.
This is an Alberta Emergency Alert. The Municipality of Jasper has issued a Wildfire alert.
— Alberta Emergency Alert (@AB_EmergAlert) July 23, 2024
This alert is in effect for everyone located in Jasper.
There is a wildfire south of town. An Evacuation Order has been issued for the Town of Jasper.
Everyone in Jasper must evacuate…
At about 12:15 a.m. Tuesday morning, the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada said they were continuing to clear traffic gridlock, ensure fuel was available for vehicles and have additional resources on hand such as firefighting equipment and buses.
"If you need to take a break, the Town of Valemount has opened a reception centre at their community hall located at 101 Gorse Street. Limited overnight lodging will be available," stated a social media post from the Municipality of Jasper. "We are working with the Government of Alberta to establish a reception centre in a large city. More information will be provided as it becomes available. If you can find a campground or hotel to spend the night, or family or friends where you can spend the night, please do so."
The Outlook will update when more information becomes available.