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Date: May 16, 2023
Location: County of Grande Prairie, Active Emergencies, Beaverlodge, Clairmont, Grande Prairie, Hythe, Sexsmith, Wembley

Dunes West Wildfire Update #29 | 11:00 a.m. | Positive Progress Overnight Despite Winds, Fire Classified as Under Control

Yesterday was a critical day in Fire Operations, with high wind gusts testing the fire perimeter and flaring hot spots overnight. Crews responded to four hot spots overnight, three of which were extinguished by crews, and one burnt itself out in the high winds.

This is positive news, and the Dunes West Wildfire is now classified as Under Control. In the case of the Dunes West Wildfire, activity has been contained within the established fire perimeter. Fire Operations continue to ensure it’s safe for residents to return home in select areas. The fire is still active along Spring Creek, which includes hazardous tree removal and actioning hot spots.

We will announce additional plans to select areas for re-entry later today.

Returning Home and Downgraded Evacuation Alert
The current evacuation status is unchanged from May 14. The following areas remain under evacuation alert:

  • 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.  

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.

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. 

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 825 people access their homes. This wouldn’t be possible without them.

We now have re-entry information packages available for evacuees. These packages have helpful tips on how to re-connect your utilities, how to dispose of spoiled food, how to ensure your household water and drinking water is safe to use, and many more helpful tips.

 You can find the re-entry information packages here:

  • On the GPREP website at www.gprep.ca 
  • In print at the Reception Centre located at the Bonnetts Energy Centre (10017 99 Avenue, Grande Prairie)
  • At the front desk of your hotel if you are an evacuee

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

Smoke Conditions
The smoke that the Grande Prairie region continues to experience is not from the Dunes West fire; it’s the result of funneling smoke from wildfires throughout the province and British Columbia.  Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement and is advising the following precautions:

  • Close doors and windows to keep smoke out.
  • Close fresh air intakes from furnace, fireplaces, or stoves.
  • Turn on your air conditioning if you have it and set it to recirculate.
  • Use humidifiers.

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.

Please note, homes that reside in the evacuation order area will not have their gas turned on until the evacuation order is downgraded to an alert. Once you are permitted to re-enter following the downgrade, please contact ATCO to unlock the gas connection to your home.

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.

Related Information

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For Media Inquiries Only: 
GPREP Information Officer
1-825-609-5100
Info@gprepeoc.com