Canadian authorities have issued an evacuation order for Jasper and Jasper National Park as wildfires raging in the west of Alberta threatened to reach them.
An Alberta Emergency Alert issued just before 10pm local time (5am BST) said there was a wildfire south of the town.
Everyone in Jasper and Jasper National Park was ordered to get out, immediately.
“Everyone now is in the process of evacuating the town and all the outlying accommodation, campgrounds, every other structure and facility in Jasper National Park is under evacuation,” Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland told local media.
People were advised to check the Jasper National Park Facebook page and Municipality of Jasper page for updates.
Those in Jasper were told to head west on Highway 16/the Yellowhead towards British Columbia.
The Municipality of Jasper has declared a State of Emergency and Parks Canada has close both Highway 16 east of the Jasper townsite to the park gates near Hinton, and Highway 93 Icefields Parkway between Kerkeslin Campground and Athabasca Falls.
Travellers on their way to Jasper National Park have been told to travel back in the direction they came from, unless directed otherwise.
The train company Rocky Mountaineer said its First Passage to the West and Rockies to the Red Rocks services are continuing to depart as planned. It added: “If there is a change to your journey, our team will reach out to you directly.
“Please be aware that there may be some reduced visibility of scenery and outdoor air quality along the Canadian routes due to wildfires.
“In areas where the air quality is affected, the health authorities recommend you reduce your exposure by staying indoors where there is air conditioning and avoid strenuous or prolonged activities outside, especially if you have underlying medical conditions.
“The motorcoaches to and from your hotel, and most hotel rooms and restaurants will have air conditioning. Our team will do everything we can to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all who travel with us.”
Image is a stock photo from Shutterstock
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An Alberta Emergency Alert issued just before 10pm local time (5am BST) said there was a wildfire south of the town.
Everyone in Jasper and Jasper National Park was ordered to get out, immediately.
“Everyone now is in the process of evacuating the town and all the outlying accommodation, campgrounds, every other structure and facility in Jasper National Park is under evacuation,” Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland told local media.
People were advised to check the Jasper National Park Facebook page and Municipality of Jasper page for updates.
Those in Jasper were told to head west on Highway 16/the Yellowhead towards British Columbia.
The Municipality of Jasper has declared a State of Emergency and Parks Canada has close both Highway 16 east of the Jasper townsite to the park gates near Hinton, and Highway 93 Icefields Parkway between Kerkeslin Campground and Athabasca Falls.
Travellers on their way to Jasper National Park have been told to travel back in the direction they came from, unless directed otherwise.
The train company Rocky Mountaineer said its First Passage to the West and Rockies to the Red Rocks services are continuing to depart as planned. It added: “If there is a change to your journey, our team will reach out to you directly.
“Please be aware that there may be some reduced visibility of scenery and outdoor air quality along the Canadian routes due to wildfires.
“In areas where the air quality is affected, the health authorities recommend you reduce your exposure by staying indoors where there is air conditioning and avoid strenuous or prolonged activities outside, especially if you have underlying medical conditions.
“The motorcoaches to and from your hotel, and most hotel rooms and restaurants will have air conditioning. Our team will do everything we can to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all who travel with us.”
Image is a stock photo from Shutterstock
The post Tourists ordered to evacuate Canada’s Jasper National Park appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
