JASPER, Alta. — A wildfire burning in Jasper National Park has grown substantially as staff work to get campers and other visitors out of the area.
Kim Weir, a Parks Canada spokeswoman, says the 10-square-kilometre fire is burning away from the Jasper townsite and doesn't pose a threat to the community, nearby cottages or Jasper Park Lodge.
She says the fire is about 14 kilometres away from the town in the Maligne Valley and is about 15 kilometres away from Maligne Lake.
Three Parks Canada fire crews supported by five helicopters and heavy equipment are busy fighting the wildfire, which officials believe was probably caused by lightning.
The road into the valley and campgrounds in the immediate area are closed.
The popular Rocky Mountain national park remains open, but with a complete ban on campfires.
