Dunes West Wildfire Update #7: 1:45 p.m. - Detailed Fire Update, Temporary Access Limited

Firefighters from the County of Grande Prairie, City of Grande Prairie, and Alberta Forestry continue to battle the fire overnight.

Current Status of the Fire

The size of the fire is estimated at 1,700 hectares. Current resources include 10 fire engines and 15 water tenders (trucks), a helicopter to bucket water on the fire, and a forestry helicopter monitoring conditions. Approximately 50 firefighters from the County, City, and contracted resources are part of the response. Fire guards have been created around multiple subdivisions and crews will continue working on creating additional fire guards throughout the night.

The weather forecast for the coming days shows ongoing increasing windy conditions with no significant precipitation in the forecast. Crews are preparing for challenging conditions through the day and overnight to Monday morning.

The shape marked in red in the map below shows an estimated area firefighters have been actively protecting resident’s property. This map only shows an estimated area in which the fire has been active.

Crews have prioritized protecting structures in their wildfire response. Not all structures have been impacted, even if they are in the affected fire area.

As crews actively fight the fire, plans are underway to do a formal assessment of properties in the affected area. The response remains the priority and conditions are rapidly changing. This assessment will be completed as soon as conditions allow. Any residents whose property has been impacted will be contacted directly.

Information for evacuees
General temporary access into the evacuated area is not permitted. A secure perimeter exists around the evacuation order area.

Requests for temporary access to property are LIMITED to specific areas within the area of the evacuation area to ensure public safety. Refer to the map above.  

Reminder, these are limited to urgent needs like prescription medications that cannot be filled elsewhere. The safety of the public and crews is priority, so requests are assessed based on allowable area, need and current wildfire. Please remember, these requests require resources from on the ground to ensure that it can be done safely. Temporary re-entry requests that are within the allowable area can be directed to 1-825-606-5092.

Plans are underway to provide an in-person update for evacuees. More information will be announced as soon as it’s available.

Current evacuations

An evacuation ALERT is a warning for people to prepare for possible evacuation on short notice.

Residents from Township Road 712 south to the Wapiti River from Range Road 74 to Range Road 80. This includes Pipestone Creek area.

An evacuation ORDER requires residents to immediately evacuate by following the designated evacuation routes identified by the authorities.

The evacuation ORDER remains in place for all residents from Township Road 712 south to the Wapiti River and between Range Road 65 and Range Road 74 as well as all residents from Township Road 710 (correction line) south to the Wapiti River and between Highway 40 and Range Road 75. This includes up to the Dimsdale area.

There is NO evacuation alert/order in effect for the City of Grande Prairie.

Residents are reminded to pay close attention to Alberta Emergency Alerts. Any evacuation ALERTS or ORDERS will be issued via www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert. Everyone is encouraged to review the Government of Alberta provides tips and resources for preparing for emergencies.

Protecting livestock

The County’s Livestock Emergency Response Plan was rapidly put in place at the beginning of the wildfire. Over 560 animals, including cattle, horses, and chickens have been evacuated from the affected area.

A Message to local employers

The County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service is asking employers of Paid Responder (volunteer) firefighters to allow them to continue responding to the Dunes West Wildfire as the work week begins tomorrow. As many firefighting resources as possible are being utilized to battle the fire.

Next Update

The next update is planned for 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 7.

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Media Contact:
GPREP Information Officer
1-825-609-5100