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Date: May 15, 2023
Location: County of Grande Prairie, Active Emergencies, Beaverlodge, Clairmont, Grande Prairie, Hythe, Sexsmith, Wembley

Warm Temperatures and Changing Winds Expected Throughout the Day, Fire Operations says the Next 24 Hours are Critical

Grande Prairie is currently experiencing smoky conditions due to wildfires throughout the province and British Columbia.  Current air quality index for Grande Prairie is 10+ which is extreme, and Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement.

Although the Wapiti Nordic Trails are outside of the evacuation ORDER, residents on the west side of the trails remain under evacuation ORDER. This is because many of the residences in this area still have structural protection units on the property and it is not safe for the residents to access their homes until these units are removed. The next 24 hours will be critical and will determine the timeline for when residents MAY be able to return home. Life safety remains our priority.

Increased security patrols are being conducted within all areas.

Current Status of the Dunes West Wildfire
The wildfire continues to burn out of control at an estimated 1,581 hectares. Although the Dunes West Wildfire is still classified as out of control, a fire guard is in place around the entire fire perimeter. Fire Operations is focusing on the Spring Creek area today, as well as hot spots throughout the evacuation area.

Thermal imaging will be used this evening to continue to identify hot spots, which will inform crews on which areas to focus efforts.

Sprinkler protection lines remain in place on structures east of the fire.

Weather
Current high temperatures paired with gusting winds forecasted later this evening are anticipated to provide challenging conditions for crews.

Residents are reminded to stay alert and report any wildfires as quickly as possible to 310-FIRE (3473).

Evacuation Area
The following evacuation orders were adjusted to an evacuation alert on Sunday afternoon:

  • TWP 710, East of Spring Creek to RR 65.  
  • RR 65 South of TWP 710 to Park Meadows, Park Meadows and Deer Run Estates, and within Townships 32 70 6W6 and 33 70 6W6
  • Township Road 710 South to the Wapiti River between Highway 40 and Range Road 63.  

Most 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. 

If residents have any questions about returning home, please call: 1-825-606-5092.

A Temporary Access Permit is only required from GPREP if you wish to access a home within an Evacuation ORDER area. We would like to thank the RCMP for their assistance in helping over 800 people access their homes. This wouldn’t be possible without them.

Evacuee Information and Resources
1820 residents have registered with the Reception Centre located at Bonnett’s Energy Centre.

A Welcome Home Guide is available for residents who live in areas that are downgraded from an evacuation order to alert.

The Guide provides information and resources to return safely after being evacuated including dealing with utility disruption and assisting with smoke decontamination or deodorizing.

The Guide is available for download from the GPREP website and print copies available at the Reception Centre (located at Bonnett’s Energy Centre, 10017-99 Avenue, Grande Prairie) or at the front desk of evacuees’ hotels.

Wildfire Preparation
All residents are urged to be prepared in the event of an evacuation. Steps you can take are:

  • Consider maintaining an emergency kit stocked with supplies such as water, food, battery-powered or crank radio, and a flashlight.
  • If you have a vehicle, keep the tank full in case fuel stations lose power or close down.
  • Remove items that can burn within 1.5 metres (5 feet) of your home, such as dried branches, leaves, lawn furniture, firewood, and/or debris.
  • Keep a sprinkler in an easy-to-access location.
  • Be careful when smoking outside, extinguish fire pits and burn barrels, and obey local fire bans.

More wildfire preparation tips and resources can be found on the Wildfire preparedness | Alberta.ca.

Progress on Utility Repairs
ATCO Gas and Electric have confirmed that electricity and natural gas have been restored to the property line for all homes and businesses in the affected area. See more information about utilities in the Welcome Home Guide.

For the latest status update on the Dunes West Wildfire Update, visit here.

RELATED INFORMATION

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Media Contact: 

GPREP Information Officer 
1-825-609-5100