Beyond Local

From Lacombe to Calgary, a tornado watch has been issued as severe storms are expected in Central Alberta this afternoon

A perfect storm of a lightning outbreak Monday night that is believed to have ignited the fires, exceptional heat and dryness, and high winds led to what wildfire officials are calling “aggressive, blow-up fire behaviour.”

The wildfire threatening Jasper from the south has now burned about 6,750 hectares, while the fire to the north is about 270 hectares in size.

"I am utterly heartbroken at the incident that occurred on July 18 and the tragic loss of a 17-year-old teen within our community," said St. Albert Mayor Cathy Heron.

"There is an out-of-control wildfire approximately 25 kilometres west of Water Valley. All persons in the area closure need to evacuate immediately."

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At least 35 RCMP officers are on the ground to ensure safety and help with the evacuation process, while all seniors’ living facilities and patients at the Jasper hospital have been evacuated to Hinton.

"We will work to ensure that those in the backcountry can leave, or are evacuated, safely."

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