Dunes West Wildfire Update #14 | 4:00 p.m. | Updated Hours for Call Centre and Reception Centre, ATCO Update 

Dunes West Wildfire Status  

The wildfire continues to burn out-of-control anremains active in the 1,700-hectare area as fire fighters work to maintaithe perimeter. Firefighters continue to identifand control hotspots as they flare up within the area. The cause is currently unknown. 

We are saddened to share that the Dunes West Wildfire has resulted in the loss of four homes and other structures. The families whose homes were lost have been contacted directly and notified. 

Firefighting efforts are focused on preventing the fire from spreading. 

The evacuation orders and alerts remain unchanged. Residents are reminded to stay tuned to Alberta Emergency Alerts, as the situation continues to evolve. Residents can view the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard at https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/8d86d267dcf44ad085a11939186f3d3a  

Support and Relief Resources 

Additional firefighters are supporting local firefighters from: 

  • Calgary 

  • Strathmore 

  • Chestermere 

  • Lloydminster 

  • Smoky River 

  • Calgary 

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) and our efforts to provide assistance to those affected by emergencies and disasters in our region. There are many ways to provide support to those currently affected by the wildfires in the region including through food donations, supply and equipment donations and volunteer services.  

Donations  

The Grande Prairie Friendship Centre (10507 98 Avenue) is accepting donations for food, clothes and other household items seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.   

Supply and Volunteer Sign Up   

If you would like to offer resources such as equipment, supplies or volunteer services, please fill out the web form here https://www.gprep.ca/2023-wildfire-donation-offer-form/     

When you submit the form, an automatic reply will be sent to confirm receipt of your message.   

Monetary Donations 

Financial donations can be made to the Northwestern Alberta Emergency Response Fund through the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta.  

Donations can be made online herehttps://cfna.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1465 or cash and cheques can be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday or mailed to Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta at Centre 2000 (#200, 11330 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7X9). 

Temporary Access Permits 

Evacuees who had a Temporary Access Permit denied can reapply. The denial would have been based on the current condition at the time of the application. 

Approved permits are for one temporary access. Evacuees will need to reapply to have temporary access again. 

There is currently a backlog of permit applications that are being processed as quickly as possible. 

Update on Damage Assessment Plan 

External stakeholders are in certain areas to get their initial view of damage assessments, which inform re-entry plans. The external stakeholders include ATCO Electric, ATCO Gas, Aquatera, and Alberta Health Services to assess critical infrastructure and individual properties. 

The firefight remains the main priority and the evacuation area is not ready for damage assessments to begin. 

The damage assessment plan will only be activated when fire crews deem the evacuation area safe for assessments to occur. General re-entry to impacted areas will only be considered after damage assessments are complete. 

The GPREP Incident Command Post is evaluating daily to identify if fire conditions allow damage assessments to be conducted safely. 

ATCO Update  

There are widespread power outages in the area. Crews are assessing the damages and assigning priorities. ATCO would like to caution residents to stay clear of any downed power lines, and/or crews working in the areaThey will work to restore power as soon as possible. 

Downed power lines can be extremely dangerous. Contacting an energized line can seriously injure or kill you. If you see a downed power line, please stay at least 10 meters away, call our Emergency outage line 1-800-668-5506 and keep everyone safe from the area. 

For updated information on the power outages please refer to https://poweroutage.atco.com/map or download the ATCO app “My ATCO Electricity”. 

For more safety tips to stay safe around power lines, visit https://electric.atco.com/en-ca/safety/powerline-safety.html 

Pipestone Creek Campground 

Pipestone Creek Campground has been closed and will not reopen for the season as previously planned on Friday, May 12. Vehicle and mobile device access is limited at the campground which would pose a risk to visitors if conditions changed and the park needed to be evacuated. 

Financial Assistance 

There are now over 934 evacuees registered at the Bonnetts Energy Centre. 

The Government of Alberta has announced emergency funding support for any Albertan who has been evacuated under mandatory order for seven consecutive days or more. 

Eligible evacuees will receive $1,250 per adult and an additional $500 per dependent child under 18 years. Evacuees can apply for the payment at alberta.ca/emergency using an Alberta.ca Account. 

Funds can take up to 24 hours to flow into accounts and will be disbursed via e-transfer. Evacuees who are unable to receive an e-transfer or who cannot apply online can contact 310-4455 for assistance and to make alternate payment arrangements. 

Area Residents Reminded to Be Prepared 

The most effective way for residents and businesses outside of the evacuation area is to FireSmart your property. 

Officials are requesting that homeowners, businesses, and industry review their properties and take some proactive steps to protect them 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.  

Call Centre and Reception Centre Updated Hours 

The Call Centre and Reception Centre are both operating7 a.m.to 11 p.m. 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. Tuesday, May 9, 2023. 

Photos of the area from May, 8, 2023 showing the fire break. 

Fire break

Ariel photo fire break established. 

 Fire Break

 View of fire break that has been established at left and along the top of the riverbank 

 

Fire Break

Fire break along Range Road 65   

 Subdivision view

 View of the Fire Area northeast towards Riverview Pine