Door-to-door checks are being conducted by police in Jasper, Alta., to ensure the safety of all 10,000 residents and visitors as a wildfire approaches the town at the heart of a famous national park.
An evacuation order was issued for the entire national park after a fire threatened the town from the south, leading to the closure of highways to the east and south.
The evacuation resulted in a long line of vehicles moving slowly west through the mountains into B.C. under dark, smokey skies.
Many evacuees found shelter in Valemount, B.C., a town approximately 120 kilometres west of Jasper.
Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis mentioned that reception centres are available for evacuees in Grande Prairie and Calgary.
Evacuees in B.C. are advised to drive through Prince George and then head north and east to Grande Prairie or south to Kamloops before proceeding east to Calgary.
One fire is situated about 12 kilometres south of Jasper on both sides of the Athabasca River, with wind gusts posing a risk of spreading the flames, as stated by Mr. Ellis.
Efforts to evacuate the townsite and the park are progressing well, according to Jasper National Park in a Facebook post dated July 23. page.
Multiple wildfires are currently active in Jasper National Park, with a focus on protecting the town and community of Jasper, as well as critical infrastructure, as mentioned in the park’s post.
Alberta Wildfire spokesperson Christie Tucker highlighted the challenges faced by firefighters as they battle 170 fires across the province, 56 of which are out of control.
The fires in the province, including those in Jasper, have been primarily caused by lightning strikes exacerbated by high temperatures, according to Alberta Forestry Minister Todd Loewen.
Overall, an estimated 17,500 people have been evacuated across the province due to the wildfires.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
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