Wildfires in Jasper National Park

Wildfires in Jasper National Park, Alberta, have forced the evacuation of approximately 25,000 residents and visitors, including 10,000 in the town of Jasper and 15,000 in the park itself. The fires, exacerbated by a severe heatwave, have created hazardous conditions, leading to significant traffic congestion as people attempt to flee. Roads leading east to Edmonton and along the main Icefields Parkway have been closed due to fire threats, leaving only a westward escape route towards British Columbia, which is also grappling with over 300 wildfires. Officials are mobilizing additional firefighting resources and have set up reception centers in Grande Prairie and Calgary for evacuees. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes with bumper-to-bumper traffic and thick smoke creating dangerous driving conditions. The situation remains dynamic as authorities prioritize safety and assess ongoing risks.