2 wildfires less than 8 km away from Jasper townsite, some structures impacted in national park

As the evacuation order continues for Jasper National Park, officials confirm that some structures in the park have been damaged by fire, but they can't confirm what those structures are.

As the evacuation order continues for Jasper National Park, officials confirm that some structures in the park have been damaged by fire, but they can't confirm what those structures are.

"We can confirm that there have been some impacts along the Icefield Parkway and along Highway 16, however due to the burning conditions, the heavy smoke and the aggressive fire behaviour yesterday, it was not safe for firefighters or aircrafts to get to those structures and provide accurate, up-to-date assessments," Katie Ellsworth of Parks Canada told reporters on Wednesday.

"Once we are able to access those areas safely either from the air or from the ground we will provide further information on structure loss."

The structures could include power poles, campgrounds, day use areas, picnic sites or washrooms, Ellsworth said.

The fire has not breached the town and no structures in the town have suffered fire damage.

"All critical infrastructure within the town of Jasper has been protected with structure protection and sprinklers," Ellsworth said.

"We are working to protect the properties within the community, and crews are currently removing flammable vegetation and combustibles and patrolling the area and are ready to respond should the fire begin to spot into town today."