Dunes West Wildfire Update #23 - 10:30 p.m. - Welcome Home Guide, More dozer guard in place
Dunes West Wildfire Update #23 | 10:30 p.m. | Welcome Home Guide Available, Additional Dozer Guard in Place
Current Status of the Dunes West Wildfire
The wildfire continues to burn out of control at an estimated 1,581 hectares. The cause remains undetermined.
Although the Dunes West Wildfire is still classified as out of control, Fire Operations confirmed this morning that the wildfire is 80 per cent contained by dozer-created fire guards and the Wapiti River itself which acts as an additional natural guard. While this level of containment is positive news, the high temperatures forecasted for coming days may lead to new starts and additional challenges.
Throughout the day, crews continued to build additional fireguards (dozer guards) tight to the fire perimeter west of the Dunes West neighbourhood, and North of the Banks at Spring Creek, across from Range Road 65. Crews also responded to several hot spots that flared up inside the perimeter.
Crews are working with thermal drone operators overnight to detect and respond to hotspots.
Military crews continue making progress on clearing hot spots overall and helicopter bucketing continues.
County Renews State of Local Emergency
On May 12, the County of Grande Prairie renewed its State of Local Emergency. Nothing is currently required from County of Grande Prairie residents. Those currently under evacuation ORDER or evacuation ALERT remain under those designations.
Continuing the state of local emergency allows the municipality to:
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Issue evacuation orders and make arrangements for the care and protection of those evacuated.
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Cause any emergency plan or program to be put into operation.
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Maintain and co-ordinate emergency medical, welfare and other essential services.
Residents are urged to be prepared in case the fire escalates and to stay tuned to Alberta Emergency Alerts.
Weather
High temperatures and changing wind conditions forecasted for the coming days may lead to new starts and additional challenges.
Returning Home and Downgraded Evacuation Alert
On Friday night, the evacuation ORDER was adjusted to an evacuation ALERT for residents from Township Road 710 South to the Wapiti River between Highway 40 and Range Road 63. Residents in this area can now return to their homes within the area.
Please be advised that the area is under an Evacuation ALERT, and residents are reminded to be prepared to evacuate within 30 minutes if the situation changes. Information on how to return home safely is available on Returning to Your Home — GPREP - Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership.
All residents from Township Road 710 south to the Wapiti River between Range Road 63 and Range Road 75 remain on an Evacuation ORDER and cannot return to their homes until conditions improve and the order is lifted.
M.D. of Greenview Evacuees
The Reception Centre, located at Bonnetts Energy Centre (10017 99 Avenue, Grande Prairie), is open for all evacuees from the recent evacuation order issued for the M.D. of Greenview south of Township Road 690, between Highway 40 and the BC Border.
Evacuees can call the M.D. of Greenview Call Centre for more information at 780-524-7603.
Call Centre and Reception Centre Hours
The Call Centre and Reception Centre at Bonnetts Energy Centre hours are now 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Temporary Access Permits
Temporary Access Permits are available at gprep.ca under ‘Evacuee Information & Resources – Dunes West Wildfire’.
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. The backlog of temporary access permits was cleared yesterday, and residents are encouraged to re-apply if needed.
Increased patrols are being conducted within barricaded areas. Proof must be provided of a Temporary Access Permit, if asked by RCMP, Enforcement Services or checkpoint personnel at barricades.
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.
Helping Wildfire Evacuees Replace Missing ID
Evacuees of the Alberta wildfires who lost or left behind their Alberta driver’s licence, ID card or birth certificate between April 29 and June 29 will be able to replace these documents free of charge.
Evacuees must visit a registry agent office in person to replace their documents at no cost.
Visit https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx#financialsupports for more information.
Donations
We want to send a huge ‘thank you’ to the community for the overwhelming show of support through donations.
The Grande Prairie Friendship Centre has reached capacity for donations of clothes and other household goods thanks to the generosity of people in our region. If you are still hoping to support those affected by the wildfires, please consider making a financial donation to the Northwestern Alberta Emergency Response Fund, volunteering or offering resources such as equipment or supplies.
Financial 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 the Northwestern Alberta Foundation (formerly the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta) at Centre 2000 (3200, 11330 106 Street, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 7X9).
If you would like to offer resources such as equipment, supplies or volunteer services, please fill out the web form here: 2023 Wildfire Donation Offer Form — GPREP - Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership
When you submit the form, an automatic reply will be sent to confirm receipt of your message.
Evacuee Information and Resources
1,728 residents have registered with the Reception Centre, located at Bonnetts Energy Centre.
The Welcome Home Guide was released for residents who have been able to return to their homes and remain under an evacuation alert. The Guide provides information and resources to return safely after being evacuation.
TheGuide can bedownloaded from the GPREP website and print copies are available at the Reception Centre (locatedatBonnetts Energy Centre, 10017 – 99 Avenue,Grande Prairie) or at the front desk of evacuees’ hotels.
Information about emergency funding support available for evacuated Albertans is available at Wildfire emergency updates | Alberta.ca.
The Dunes West Wildfire Information Line is available at 1-825-606-5092.
Next Update
The next update will be available on the morning of Sunday, May 14.
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For Media Inquiries Only:
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.