An evacuation order has been issued for Jasper National Park and the Town of Jasper due to a wildfire approaching the area.
“There is a wildfire south of town. An Evacuation Order has been issued for the Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park,” reads an alert issued by the province at 10:18pm.
This is an Alberta Emergency Alert. The Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park have updated the Wildfire alert.
This alert is in effect for everyone located in Jasper and Jasper National Park.There is a wildfire south of town. An Evacuation Order has been issued for…
— Alberta Emergency Alert (@AB_EmergAlert) July 23, 2024
I had dinner in Jasper a few hours ago and then left for Banff not knowing the whole town would be under an evacuation order shortly after. Here’s a video I recorded 26 km south of Jasper at 7:50 pm. pic.twitter.com/ANXaz9ZGjt
— Joe Oliver (@JoeOliv49379700) July 23, 2024
The alert includes the following information:
- Everyone in Jasper and Jasper National Park must evacuate now
- The fire is NOT expected to reach the community in 5 hours
- 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
People scrambled to get their belongings together and leave town as quickly as possible.
Line of cars trying to evacuate Jasper Alberta. Emergency alert at about 10p. Scrambled to gather our luggage. Headed to British Columbia. #Jasper pic.twitter.com/PE7dsVlHpz
— JacksonCoherent (@jackrkearney) July 23, 2024
Highway 16 eastbound is closed due to wildfire activity, but the highway remains open for westbound traffic into BC.
#BCHwy16 is CLOSED for eastbound traffic due to wildfire. The highway remains open for westbound traffic into #BC for evacuees travelling from #Alberta. More info on road conditions from @DriveBC : https://t.co/c2At3e3RHt #Jasper https://t.co/ZvTtK9vjjF
— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) July 23, 2024
In an update Tuesday afternoon, officials said the Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park have been evacuated.
“The evacuation of the townsite is complete, and the evacuation of hikers in the backcountry is ongoing.”
Wildfire Update
The Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park have been evacuated due to active wildfires. The evacuation of the townsite is complete, and the evacuation of hikers in the backcountry is ongoing.— Jasper National Park, Parks Canada (@JasperNP) July 23, 2024
For more updates, visit the province’s emergency alert page here.