Wildfire prompts evacuation order for Canadian national park

The evacuation order was issued late on Monday (22 July) following a wildfire alert, with a fire burning south of the town. The order applies to "everyone located in Jasper".

"Everyone in Jasper must evacuate now," read the order from the Municipality of Jasper, which added people should take Highway 16 west towards British Columbia.

Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer rail experiences are currently unaffected. "At this time, all First Passage to the West and Rockies to the Red Rocks journeys are scheduled to depart as planned," said the operator.

The municipality has set up two designated community reception centres where evacuees can seek support, as well as rest stops along highways leading away from areas covered by the order.

It added it was working with the Government of Alberta to established a large city reception centre. According to the government, around 7,500 are currently under evacuation orders.