Dunes West Wildfire Update 10: 9:30 a.m. - Relief Support Underway, Evacuee Info Session

Dunes West Wildfire Update #10 | 9:30 a.m. | Relief Support Underway for Firefighters, Evacuee Information Session on Monday Evening 

Additional resources have arrived and are already providing support to the Dunes West Wildfire. Twenty of the requested 100 additional firefighters are in Grande Prairie to provide relief and shift change support to the local responders. 

Current Status of Wildfire 

The wildfire continues to burn outofcontrol at an estimated size of 1,700 hectares. 

Cooler temperatures have aided in the response, however weather conditions including wind, precipitation, and humidity are continually shifting. City of Grande Prairie residents may see additional smoke today with changing wind conditions: Smoke Forecast - FireSmoke.ca.  

Additional resources will be in place today, including four additional bucketing helicopters, provincial specialists in forestry behaviour and structural protection, and 20 additional firefighters who arrived from across the province overnight.  

Overnight crews focused on hotspot fires and getting sprinklers in place for property protection. Crews continue to work on fire guards, with support from County Public Works equipment.  

Upcoming Information Session for Evacuees  

Evacuees of the Dunes West Wildfire are invited to attend an Information Session with County of Grande Prairie Officials and members of the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP)at Evaskevich Hall in the TARA Centre atEvergreen Parkon May 8, 2023, at 7 p.m.  

The session will provide evacuees with a status update on the current wildfire situation. 

A list of frequently asked questions is available at: https://www.gprep.ca/news/evacuee-information-resources-dunes-west-wildfire/.  

No Change to Evacuation Alerts and Orders  

Evacuation alerts and orders remain in effect and unchanged, view these in Dunes West Wildfire Update #8. 

The situation continues to evolve. Residents outside the evacuation area are reminded to be prepared by: 

• Packing important documents, medications, and clothing/personal items for three days 
• Having a plan for your pets 

Local Homes, Businesses Encouraged to Protect Properties  

Area residents, business, and industry are also reminded to take proactive steps to prepare their homes and properties as much as possible in the event of a wildfire, such as yard and property maintenance. Read more at FireSmart | Alberta.ca.  

Learn more about wildfire preparedness at: alberta.ca/wildfire-preparedness.aspx.  

Call Centre and Reception Centre Hours 

The Call Centre and Reception Centre are both operating 24 hours daily. Any evacuees requiring support may attend the Bonnetts Energy Centrelocated at 10017 99 Avenue in Grande Prairie. Evacuees should ensure that they have registered at the Reception Centre OR online at MyAlberta Emergency Registration System.  

The Dunes West Wildfire Information Line is available at 1-825-606-5092. 

Residents are reminded to pay close attention to Alberta Emergency Alerts, as the wildfire continues to change. 

Next Update 

The next update will be available by 4p.m. today, Monday, May 8, 2023. 

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Media Contact: 
GPREP Information Officer 
1-825-609-5100 

Image below shows a fire retardant line in place protect residents’ property.