Earlier today, the Wildfire Status was changed to Under Control and Evacuation Orders for some County of Grande Prairie residents changed to an Evacuation Alert. The Evacuation Alert for some residents was removed. In total, an additional 207 residential households were able to return to their properties

Select areas remain on an evacuation ORDER due to ongoing wildfire activity and crews working in the area, 139 residential addresses remain under Evacuation Order.

Returning Home and Downgraded Evacuation Alert

Residents located in the Evacuation ALERT areas must remain prepared for evacuation on 30-minute notice. Have important documents, medications, food, water and important supplies to be away from your home for 3 days prepared. Prepare pets and livestock.

The subdivisions of Park Meadows, Deer Run Estates, and surrounding properties which were downgraded to an evacuation ALERT on May 14 remain under an evacuation ALERT. Residents in the area north of Township Road 712, west of Range Road 73, and east of Range Road 63 are no longer under evacuation alert. 

Reminders for Residents as they Re-Enter:

  • Drones will continue to do low flyovers overnight in the area of the fire to identify hot spots.
  • Watch for and stay clear of firefighters continuing to work in the area. Mystic Ridge residents in particular may continue to see crews removing structural protection sprinklers.
  • Watch for trees that have been burnt or partially burnt, as they can be unstable and fall unexpectedly.
  • Watch for ash pits which are commonly found in the root systems at the base of trees and in areas with deep organic soil. If you find an ash pit, do not step in or around it. If you're concerned about its location or it’s giving off a lot of heat, please contact the Dunes West Wildfire Call Centre at 1-825-606-5092.
  • Residents may notice changes to the landscape in the affected areas. Fire crews and utility operators worked to reduce hazards around structures and infrastructure. This was required for public safety, especially considering the risk of falling trees that have been damaged by fire.

Most residents from Township Road 710 south to the Wapiti River between Range Road 73 and Range Road 65 remain on an Evacuation ORDER and cannot return to their homes until the order is lifted. This includes the subdivisions of The Banks at Spring Creek, Riverview Pines Estates, Spring Creek Estates, and Wapiti Heights Estates. Firefighters are actioning hot spots throughout the interior of the fire, including the Spring Creek area, making it currently unsafe for re-entry.

To call to confirm if your address remains in the evacuation ORDER area, contact the Dunes West Wildfire Call Centre at 1-825-606-5092.

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

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.

 

Temporary Access Permits

The Temporary Access Permit process is still in place for residents to request access into the evacuation order area. We are accommodating requests into the area when conditions are safe, including for agricultural work. Complete the Temporary Access Permit here: If you have any questions, please contact the County of Grande Prairie’s Agricultural Fieldman, Sonja Raven, at 780-876-6936.

 

We would like to thank the RCMP for their assistance in helping residents access their homes. This wouldn’t be possible without them.  

Pipestone Creek Campground
Pipestone Creek Campground will be open for Victoria Day, the May Long Weekend.

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

-30- 

 

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