Dunes West Wildfire Update #11: 3 pm - Wildfire Operations Ongoing
Dunes West Wildfire Update #11 | 3:00 p.m. | Wildfire Operations Ongoing, Residents and Homeowners Encouraged to take Proactive Steps
Mid-day operational update
The size of the wildfire is still estimated at 1,700 hectares, and remains classified as out of control. Today, crews focused on expanding fire guards and prioritizing property protection in the affected areas.
The current goal is to establish a perimeter around the wildfire including fire guards and the Wapiti River to the south. Crews are also working with local agricultural producers on preventative maintenance work on their fields as part of this strategy.
There remains no changes to evacuation orders and alerts. Residents are reminded to stay tuned to Alberta Emergency Alerts, as the situation continues to evolve.
What can area residents do?
Officials are requesting that homeowners, businesses, and industry review their properties and take some proactive steps to protect it in the event of a wildfire. Simple steps like yard maintenance can make a huge difference. Read more at FireSmart | Alberta.ca.
Learn more about wildfire preparedness at: alberta.ca/wildfire-preparedness.aspx.
Information Session to be Livestreamed
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 at Evergreen Park on May 8, 2023, at 7 p.m. For those unable to attend in-person, the event will also be livestreamed online at www.youtube.com/CountyofGP.
The session will provide evacuees with a status update on the current wildfire situation. A list of frequently asked questions for evacuees is available at: https://www.gprep.ca/news/evacuee-information-resources-dunes-west-wildfire/.
Temporary Re-entry requests Moved Online
General access to evacuated areas is not allowed. Requests for temporary re-entry that meet certain criteria have now moved online.
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Temporary re-entry requests can be submitted online using this form: GPREP Dunes West Wildfire Temporary Re-entry Permit. These requests are limited to legitimate needs like prescription medication that cannot be filled elsewhere. Pharmacy confirmation that the medication is unable to be filled is required.
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Temporary re-entry requests that are related to livestock can be submitted online using this form: GPREP Dunes West Wildfire Temporary Re-entry Permit for Livestock.
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There is no guarantee on requests for temporary re-entry, considering current wildfire conditions and which specific areas in the evacuated zones are deemed safe for re-entry.
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Printed copies of the Re-entry Permits are available at the Reception Centre.
All requests will receive a direct response via phone call or email.
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 Centre located at 10017 99 Avenue in Grande Prairie.
The Dunes West Wildfire Information Line is available at 1-825-606-5092.
Next Update
The next update will be available by 9 p.m. tonight, Monday, May 8, 2023.
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Media Contact:
GPREP Information Officer
1-825-609-5100