Evacuation order issued in Jasper, Alberta due to wildfire

An evacuation order has been issued for the town of Jasper, Alta., and everyone in Jasper National Park due to a wildfire raging south of town.

The order was issued at 9:59 p.m. Monday night.

At 10:18 p.m., the province said the fire was expected to reach the city within five hours, but that statement was withdrawn an hour later.

At 11:09 p.m., the province posted the following update:

“The fire is NOT expected to reach the community within the next five hours. The city should be evacuated within five hours.”

Residents should bring identification, important documents, medications, pets and an emergency kit, according to the Alberta Emergency Alert website.

Evacuees have been ordered to use Highway 16 to travel to British Columbia

“To ensure efficient and safe travel, please reduce your speed and use headlights. Smoke and ash may reduce visibility. Please follow the instructions of local authorities,” Jasper National Park said in a social media post.

About an hour before the warning was issued, RCMP issued a notice closing Highway 16 to westbound traffic at the Jasper National Park gates on the east side.

The eastern entrance to the city is also closed.

If you require transport, please contact the Activity Centre, Forest Park Hotel or Maligne Lodge.