Everyone has been safely evacuated from Waterton National Park and the Waterton townsite.

Admittance at the gate is now limited to essential personnel.

A shift in the wind has fire crews worried that the wildfire will head straight for the Waterton townsite.

Current or incoming resources include six fire crews, one from the MD of Willow Creek, seven helicopters, a national incident management team, high volume pumps, hoses and sprinkler kits and a specialized structural fire protection team.

So far crews have completed a perimeter line and sprinkler system for the Waterton townsite and are protecting two backcountry warden cabins, three day-use areas, Crandell Mountain Campground, Canyon Church Camp, the operations compound, the Prince of Wales Hotel, and the Akamina ACC Cabin and ski shelter.

The smoke has become very intense in the Waterton Lakes park area, leaving very low visibility. the winds have also picked up significantly.

A reception centre has been set up in Pincher Creek for evacuees.

For up to date information go to Parks Canada.

For smoke and air quality alerts visit air health.

A fire weather advisory has been issued for Southern Alberta and if a wildfire was to occur it could spread rapidly.