Approximately 25,000 people have been ordered to evacuate Jasper and Jasper National Park in Alberta due to raging wildfires, officials announced on Tuesday.
The evacuation affects 15,000 visitors and 10,000 residents, including seasonal workers. The town of Jasper and Jasper National Park have been closed, with thousands already evacuated overnight.
A reception center has been set up in Calgary for evacuees. Parks Canada is mobilizing additional firefighting resources and aircraft to combat the fires, prioritizing the protection of Jasper, Highway 16, and critical infrastructure.
Alberta is facing extreme wildfire conditions, with over 170 wildfires currently burning across the province. Reservations in Jasper National Park have been canceled through August 6, with no reopening date announced yet.