JASPER – Government authorities are telling residents and tourists fleeing wildfires in Jasper National Park to travel west on Highway 16 through British Columbia and find a route back to Alberta.
According to an update at 9 a.m. Tuesday (July 23), designated reception centres are opening in Grande Prairie and in Calgary.
Follow all directions from local officials
If travelling to Grande Prairie: Take Highway 16 west to Prince George, then proceed north to Dawson Creek via Highway 97, and east to Grande Prairie. The Grande Prairie Reception Centre is located at Bonnets Energy Centre, 10017 99 Ave, Grande Prairie, A.B., and will open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.
If travelling to Calgary: Take Highway 5 south to Kamloops, then proceed east on Highway 1 to Calgary. The Calgary Reception Centre is located at Shouldice Athletic Park, 1515 Home Road NW, Calgary, and will open at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.
Stop and rest as needed. For your safety, do not stop on the side of the road.
Places to rest include Valemount, McBride, and other B.C. communities along highways 5 and 16, as well as highway rest stops and parking lots.
Consider arranging lodging at a campground, hotel, or with family or friends.
Do not travel on highways if smoke is obscuring your vision. If you need to pull over, use hazard lights and pull completely off the road.
Updates will be provided as they become available.