The threat of two nearby wildfires believed to be caused by lightning, advanced on the townsite of Jasper.
The largest fire, referred to as the south wildfire, is estimated to be among the largest in Jasper National Park’s history at 10,800 hectares in size and as of 6:40 p.m. Wednesday had reached the town, according to a Parks Canada post on social media.
“This wildfire is significantly larger and more aggressive than the wildfires we’ve seen in the past few years,” said Katie Ellsworth, an incident commander with Parks Canada.
At least 25,000 people have been ordered to evacuate.
The evacuation impacts 15,000 people who were visiting and staying in the park when the order was issued, as well as about 10,000 people in the town of Jasper, including seasonal workers, according to the Alberta Emergency Management Agency.
One tow truck driver: "It's over boys. There won't be a town left in the morning."
"Significant loss (to structures) has occurred within the townsite." Jasper National Park, Parks Canada says via social media. "Structural firefighters continue to work to save as many structures as possible and to protect critical infrastructure. Many more structural firefighters are en route to provide assistance."
"Today has been an exceptionally difficult day for Jasperites, incident personnel and everyone who loves Jasper."
As of 8:30 pm this evening, it was determined that air quality had deteriorated to the point that wildland firefighters and others without self contained breathing apparatuses needed to evacuate to Hinton. Jasper National Park, Parks Canada said on social media.
"We are devastated by the situation that our Jasper and Alberta community members are facing. We are extremely thankful that all of our colleagues and guests have been safely evacuated. We hope the same for all others in the area." Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge on social media.
"We have received Alberta's request for federal assistance, and we're mobilizing every necessary resource available, " said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on social media. "We’re deploying Canadian Forces resources, evacuations support, and more emergency wildfire resources to the province immediately — and we’re coordinating firefighting and airlift assistance. Alberta, we’re with you."
The town of Jasper and Jasper National Park in Alberta have closed. Reservations through Aug. 6 have been canceled. A reopening date has not yet been announced.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone effected by the wildfires in Jasper National Park and townsite of Jasper. Our prayers are also with those brave wildland fire fighters who are out there battling those wildfires to try and save what they possibly can, and to the Canadian Forces members who are being deployed to assist.
This is devastating. 😔
🙏🙏🙏
Barb & Richard Cecil