Wildfires Prompt Evacuations in Jasper, Alberta

Dangerous wildfires have led to the evacuation of the town of Jasper and Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, as authorities issued evacuation orders around 10 p.m. on Monday. The park, a popular destination that attracted nearly 2.5 million visitors last year, confirmed on Tuesday that the evacuation of the town was complete, although efforts were ongoing to assist backcountry hikers. The park remains closed, and officials emphasized the importance of adhering to the evacuation order. The evacuation process faced challenges due to the fires' locations, which directed most traffic westward toward British Columbia along Highway 16. In response, officials in British Columbia quickly mobilized resources to support evacuees. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre has indicated a high to extreme potential for significant wildland fires in the region, compounded by breezy conditions that could lead to erratic fire behavior. As fire activity intensified on Wednesday, first responders were forced to relocate to Hinton, approximately an hour's drive from Jasper. Despite the relocation, a small group of firefighters and staff will remain in Jasper to protect residents. The park stated that this decision was made with careful consideration, and they are hopeful that fire crews may achieve notable containment progress later in the week, depending on the fires' behavior.