JASPER – RCMP have been going door-to-door to make sure all Jasper residents have evacuated as out-of-control wildfires continue to threaten the national park townsite.
At least 35 RCMP officers are on the ground to ensure safety and help with the evacuation process, while all seniors’ living facilities and patients at the Jasper hospital have been evacuated to Hinton.
Aircraft have been assessing wildfires in Jasper National Park since first light Tuesday (July 23) in order to identify threats to infrastructure and get more firefighters on the ground.
Officials say thousands of residents and visitors were evacuated during the night and the national park is closed.
“We acknowledge this is a stressful time and appreciate patience as this is an evolving and complex situation,” states Parks Canada on social media.
“We are doing our best to provide you with accurate and timely information. Please rely on official information sources from Municipality of Jasper, Parks Canada, and Alberta Emergency Alert.”
Currently, there are multiple wildfires in Jasper National Park.
Parks Canada has mobilized resources to arrive Tuesday morning and throughout the coming days, including a Parks Canada incident management team and additional firefighting resources and aircraft.
Parks Canada and Alberta Wildfire are partners in wildfire response and Alberta Wildfire is supporting Jasper National Park.
Alberta Emergency Management Agency arrived in Jasper Tuesday morning to assist.
“Our priority is to protect the town and community of Jasper, limiting wildfire growth towards town, Highway 16 and critical infrastructure,” states Parks Canada.
“Critical structural protection is being managed by fire teams from across the region.”
Evacuation
Evacuation of the Jasper townsite and Jasper National Park is ongoing. Evacuees need to travel west on Highway 16 to larger centres. Fuel is available at the Shell gas station.
The Town of Valemount has limited services and cannot accommodate more evacuees at this time. Evacuees should continue on Highway 16 through B.C. and select a route back to Alberta.
Anyone requiring a reception centre is directed to Shouldice Arena in Calgary or Bonnets Energy Centre, 10017 99 Ave, in Grande Prairie.
Those still in Jasper and need help evacuating, please go to the Jasper Activity Centre at 303 Bonhomme St. If you need help getting to the Jasper Activity Centre, please call 780-852-6543.
Backcountry evacuations are in progress. If you have a way of contacting those in the backcountry, they should reach a trailhead and are directed to evacuate and check in with Parks Canada Dispatch at 780-852-6155 as soon as they have cell service.
Rest Stops
• Valemount: Short term parking available at the Canoe Valley Recreation Centre at 100 Elm Street.
• McBride: Robson Valley Community Centre at 441 Columbia Street.
• Prince George: Evacuees can stop and shelter in vehicles at CN Centre (2187 Ospika Blvd S.) before continuing to Grande Prairie.
Registration for Evacuees
If you’ve evacuated safely, register as an evacuee. If you have an Alberta Digital ID, use this link: https://emergencyregistration.alberta.ca/
If you do not have a My Alberta Digital ID, you can register in-person at a Reception Centre in Grande Prairie and Calgary.
