Officials in Jasper said crews have been called to a wildfire burning in the national park.
According to Parks Canada, the fire was first reported at 3:30 Thursday, and was about 15 kilometres south of the town. At last word, the fire was about 200 hectares in size.
RCMP said the wildfire is heading through the Maligne Lake Valley, away from the Jasper town site.
As a result, Maligne Lake Road has been closed – and hikers and visitors to the area were being evacuated from the valley, the Skyline Trail and Maligne Lake by Parks Canada.
Jasper National Park superintendent Greg Fenton said the fire was burning near Medicine Lake – about 15 kilometres away from Maligne Lake. As a result, day use sites and campgrounds near Medicine Lake were being evacuated as a precaution.
Officials said lightning is believed to be the cause of the fire, and it’s possible the fire was smouldering underground for some time, before growing in the hot and dry conditions.
In addition, a fire ban has been issued for all of Jasper National Park.
Parks Canada said all park facilities, including campgrounds, remain open.
