UPDATE: Evacuation of Jasper 'progressing well,' most people heading to BC

(UPDATE: July 23 at 5:45 am): The evacuation from Jasper is "progressing well," the Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park said this morning.

Evacuees have been urged to "follow directives," with the majority of traffic being sent west into BC along Hwy 16.

"Only when roadside fire conditions permit, small groups of escorted vehicles will be directed east on Highway 16," the alert reads.

Jasper evacuation so far 2 hrs 45 min = 7 km. We heard mobile gas stations are being set up, we’re ok but we know friends are almost out of gas, and folks are sharing same. Any info or verification would be helpful. #Jasper #fire #evacuation pic.twitter.com/zALn4CqtJb

— Carolyn Campbell (@_CLCampbell) July 23, 2024

"Assembly points are closed. Go to the Activity Centre at 303 Bonhomme Street if you need assistance."

Last night the Alberta government said "everyone in Jasper must evacuate now" in an emergency announcement.

BC Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma said on social media that the province "will do everything" to accommodate the evacuees.

The City of Prince George, meanwhile, said it is "actively monitoring" the evacuation and awaiting direction from the BC government.

"Reception trailers are located at the parking lot between the horse paddocks and Ice oval (2187 Ospika Blvd. S)," the municipality said in a bulletin.

"Easiest access will be from the 18th avenue entrance closest to the roundabout."

Back in Alberta, Parks Canada said it had overseen the evacuation of multiple campgrounds in Jasper National Park, as well as the Athabasca Hostel and the Palisades Stewardship and Education Centre.

(Original story: July 22 at 10:50 pm): The entire town of Jasper is evacuating this evening due to multiple wildfires burning nearby.

An evacuation order was issued for the town as well as Jasper National Park.

Jasper being evacuated.. pic.twitter.com/CYMS73di2J

— Jordan Fjellner (@JFjellner) July 23, 2024

People are being asked to use Highway 16 towards British Columbia to leave. The highway was previously closed due to wildfire, but has reopened westbound for evacuees only.

Officials have closed several roads in the area, including Highway 16 at Highway 40, and Highway 93 at the Saskatchewan River Crossing.

Travellers en-route to Jasper National Park must travel back in the direction they came from, unless directed otherwise.

#BCHwy16 is CLOSED for eastbound traffic due to wildfire. The highway remains open for westbound traffic into #BC for evacuees travelling from #Alberta. More info on road conditions from @DriveBC : https://t.co/c2At3e3RHt #Jasper https://t.co/ZvTtK9vjjF

— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) July 23, 2024

It was previously stated that the fire was expected to reach the community within five hours, however the town has corrected the information and says the evacuation is expected to take place between 10 pm and 3 am.

The Municipality of Jasper has also declared a State of Emergency.

2 new fires close by. 2 highways closed. #jasper pic.twitter.com/Hbj57iiNFQ

— 🌎☮️Maggie (@maggienoble) July 23, 2024

Updates to come.