Canada

An encroaching wildfire that forced thousands of people to flee the community of Jasper overnight is now burning 12 kilometres south of the Alberta mountain town as shifting winds threaten to fan the flames.

Government officials say at least 10,000 residents and visitors were forced to evacuate from Jasper National Park after a wildfire roared into the area late Monday night.

With little notice, people were forced to flee west over mountain roads into British Columbia, through darkness, soot and ash.

"One fire is approximately 12 kilometres south of Jasper on both sides of the river and wind may exacerbate the situation," Mike Ellis, Alberta's minister of public safety and emergency services, said during a news conference Tuesday.