Jasper updates: Wildfire moving 'faster than expected' toward townsite
CTV
Vehicles and heavy equipment have been seen leaving Jasper National Park throughout Wednesday afternoon.
Wildfires threatening the hub community in Alberta's Jasper National Park is moving more quickly than expected, the province's forestry minister said late Wednesday afternoon.
Todd Loewen, Alberta's minister of forestry and parks, said in a statement to CTV News Edmonton on Wednesday afternoon the "active and aggressive" fire in Jasper National Park is moving toward the townsite "faster than predicted."
"It's still hard to determine the boundary of the fire because of the intensity of the flames and smoke, and things are very fluid right now," Loewen said.
"Crews are moving to safe locations. It's not uncommon during a fire as the fire changes.
Parks Canada has confirmed that first responders are being relocated to Hinton as a result of "significant fire activity and forecasted strong winds."
Vehicles and heavy equipment have been seen leaving Jasper National Park throughout Wednesday afternoon.
The park and townsite were evacuated on Monday night, leaving only essential personnel and firefighters behind.
