Multiple wildfires in the Canadian Rockies' largest national park have prompted the evacuation of up to 25,000 visitors and residents. The fires have caused chaos during the area's peak tourist season, with people fleeing westward through darkness and thick smoke.
Residents described the situation as 'wall-to-wall traffic,' with some drivers facing hours of delays while covering just a few miles. Concerns were raised about individuals fleeing with low fuel levels in their vehicles.
Authorities issued an unusual order for those evacuating Jasper National Park and Jasper town in Alberta province to head east for accommodation due to the fires raging in British Columbia to the west. The evacuation call affected around 10,000 people in Jasper town and an estimated 15,000 individuals in the park.
Photos and videos shared on social media depicted long lines of vehicles moving slowly through smoke-filled roads. The fires have cut off highway access to the east and forced the closure of the north-south Icefields Parkway.
Evacuation efforts were underway, with police conducting door-to-door checks to ensure everyone had left the area. Reception centers were set up in Grande Prairie and Calgary, Alberta, for those fleeing the wildfires.
Alberta has been experiencing scorching temperatures, leading to the evacuation of thousands of people from remote communities. The evacuation process in Jasper was described as progressing well, with officials working to clear traffic congestion and assist vulnerable individuals.
Evacuees were given a five-hour window to leave, with instructions to take essential documents, pets, medication, and emergency supplies. Parks Canada confirmed evacuations from various campgrounds and facilities within the park.
Many evacuees sought refuge in Valemount, British Columbia, where the community was overwhelmed by the influx of people. Temporary shelters were set up in local facilities, with residents offering support and assistance to those affected.
The wildfires in 2023 have led to a record number of evacuations across Canada, impacting over 235,000 individuals. The smoke from the fires has also affected parts of the U.S., prompting health advisories in several cities.
