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Backcountry campers evacuating due to Jasper wildfires

"We will work to ensure that those in the backcountry can leave, or are evacuated, safely."
Parks Canada is bringing in more personnel to fight wildfires in Jasper National Park Tuesday (July 23) morning.
 
The federal agency has a Parks Canada Incident Management Team and additional firefighting resources and aircraft coming.
 
Parks Canada says more information on backcountry areas will be forthcoming.
 
"We will work to ensure that those in the backcountry can leave, or are evacuated, safely," states Parks Canada.
 
"If you have a way of contacting those in the backcountry, they should remain in place, at a designated campsite if possible."

Parks Canada and Alberta Wildfire are partners in wildfire response and Alberta Wildfire is supporting Jasper National Park.

"Parks Canada continues to coordinate evacuation and emergency response with the Municipality of Jasper," states Parks Canada in a social media response.
 
"Be patient as the evacuation progresses. Follow all directions from officials and all Alberta Emergency Alerts."
 
The evacuation is progressing.
 
The majority of traffic is being directed west on Highway 16. Authorities are asking evacuees to head to British Columbia first, then travel back to Alberta via different highways. Reception centres have been set up in Calgary and Grande Prairie.
 
Only when roadside fire conditions permit, small groups of escorted vehicles will be directed east on Highway 16.
 

 
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