Jasper wildfire evacuations go smoothly thanks to preparation of community [Video]

The mayor of Jasper, Richard Ireland, speaks with Alberta Primetime host Michael Higgins about the evacuation of his community caused by recent wildfires.

Michael Higgins: As you understand it, what is the current threat to the community?

Richard Ireland: Well, the most significant threat is a very large wildfire south of town that is still approaching the southern boundary of the town. Parks Canada are out there with assistance from other firefighters from the province and from other national parks across the country, and they’re assisted with aerial support as well. But it is a very aggressive wildfire, really quite large, and still bearing down towards the town – so a significant threat for our entire community.

MH:The aggressiveness of this fire is certainly a big point in this whole discussion. So if we dial back the clock, your thoughts on what it took to safely evacuate such a large number of people from …