Dunes West Wildfire Update #18 | 10:30 a.m. | Several Homes Saved Overnight

Several homes were saved overnight as crews responding to the Dunes West Wildfire continued offensive firefighting tactics overnight, including helicopter and ground crew response to several flare-ups within the perimeter.  

We extend heartfelt gratitude to the firefighters and emergency crews that continue to work to contain the wildfire while conducting ongoing monitoring for flare-ups and hotspots to prevent further spread of the fire. 

Thank you for all the residents helping with the estimated 2,500 acres of field and farm in the evacuated area that are being disced and seeded for additional fire protection.  

Residents in the area between Township Road 712 and Township Road 710 and between Range Road 65 and Range Road 74 remain under evacuation alert and must be prepared to leave their home in 30 minutes if fire conditions change. Information on how to return home safely is available on Returning to Your Home — GPREP - Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership. 

We thank all the security personnel ensuring safe temporary re-entry and return to homes for people who have been downgraded to alert. 

Dunes West Wildfire Status   

The wildfire continues to burn out-of-control at an estimated 1,581 hectares. 

Today, fire crews focus on reinforcing the fire guard lines to strengthen the perimeter while establishing protection of homes and extending it beyond the perimeter.  

Crews continue offensive firefighting tactics, including responding to several flare-ups within the perimeter overnight by helicopter and ground crews that resulted in the saving of several homes. 

Overnight drones identified hot spots that were quickly actioned by crews on the ground. Monitoring is ongoing for flare-ups.  

Sprinkler protection is complete along the banks.  

Personnel are supporting temporary re-entry for people in the evacuation area.  Patrols are being conducted within barricaded areas. Proof must be provided of a re-entry permit.   

80 military personnel are on-site, with a focus on home protection. 

Residents are urged to be prepared for the situation in case the fire escalates and to stay tuned to Alberta Emergency Alerts.  

A drying uptick and instability in weather are being monitored as they pose an increased risk.   

Residents can view the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard at https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/8d86d267dcf44ad085a11939186f3d3a   

Utility Updates 

If you live outside the evacuation area and have been impacted by the gas outages, crews are entering the area today to complete repairs. 

Power has been restored to the majority of the area. Ongoing pole repairs are underway. 

Temporary Access Permits  

Temporary Access Permits are available at gprep.ca. 

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.  

For Agricultural producers needing access to be able to farm, please contact the County of Grande Prairie’s Agricultural Fieldman, Sonja Raven, at 780-876-6936 for a contractor permit. 

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 or in person by cash or cheque 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 106 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7X9).  

Financial Assistance  

There are now over1,059 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 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 to prepare 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 is operating from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Reception Centre is operating 24/7.   

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 at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 11.  

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Media Contact:  
GPREP Information Officer  
1-825-609-5100 
Info@gprepeoc.com 

Do you have questions about the wildfire as a resident? Please call the Dunes West Wildfire Information Line at 1-825-606-5092.