Visitors, campers, and residents of Jasper National Park were asked to evacuate late last night, Monday, as high temperatures and winds fueled the flames of wildfires threatening the national park in western Alberta.

An emergency alert was issued in Alberta before 10 PM GMT and was subsequently updated, reporting a wildfire south of the town.

An evacuation order was issued for both the Jasper townsite and the remainder of the national park.

The alert stated that everyone in Jasper Park and Jasper National Park must evacuate now, as the fire is heading toward the community.

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland told Global News on Monday night: "Everyone is now evacuating the town and all remote accommodations, campsites, and all other structures and facilities in Jasper National Park are being evacuated."

The emergency alert initially stated that the fire was expected to reach the community in five hours, or around 3 AM Tuesday, but it was later updated around 11 PM to clarify that everyone in the community should leave by that time.

It is not currently known when the flames might reach the townsite.

Ireland said, "We hope and expect that people will continue to be patient with each other, and the evacuation will be organized."

People were advised to check the Jasper National Park Facebook page and the Town of Jasper page for updates.

Ireland is not in Jasper – he spoke to Global News by phone from Crossfield – but he was scheduled to return on Tuesday. From what he has heard from those on the ground, the evacuation process is going as expected.

Parks Canada stated that evacuations are underway, starting at 10 PM, and continuing until 3 AM today, Tuesday.

People in Jasper were asked to head west on Highway 16 / Yellowhead toward British Columbia.

Ireland said he received messages from mayors in British Columbia, including Valemount, offering assistance.

He added about Valemount, located 95 kilometers from the town of Valemount: "It’s not a large enough community to be a reception center for all the evacuees coming from Jasper Park and Jasper National Park, but it will serve as a starting point for some, I’m sure of that." west down the Yellowhead.

The emergency alert stated that evacuees should bring identification, important documents, medications, pets, and their emergency supplies.

Anyone needing a ride out of Jasper was asked to go to the Activity Center or the Forest Park Hotel or Maligne Lodge.