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Evacuees from the Dunes West Wildfire area continue to be received at the reception centre located in the City of Grande Prairie. To date over 800 evacuees have registered. 

Wildfire Response 

Fire crews continue to battle the fire.  

Today, additionalfireguards are beingestablished north and northeast of the fire. The fire guards are created by plowing land with bulldozers to eliminatewildfire fueland slow down the wildfire. 

A total of seven fire guards have been establishedin various areas and around multiple subdivisions. One has been tested and held, and the fire has not reached the others. 

As of 1:45 p.m., the size of the fire is estimated at 1,700 hectares. Resources include 10 fire engines and 15 water tenders (trucks), 50 firefighters, a helicopter to bucket water on the fire, and a forestry helicopter tomonitorconditions. 

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

Information for Residents Outside the Evacuation Areas 

Technical GPREP staff are providingdetailed assessments of weather conditions, and fire experts have established trigger points to escalate the situation IF the fire turns towards densely populated areas. 

“We understand there are concerns from community members outside of the evacuation area,” said City of Grande Prairie Fire Chief Preben Bossen. “The fire is a live, evolving situation and the best thing residents outside of the evacuation area can do is to be prepared.” 

Residents outside of the evacuation area are encouraged to be prepared by: 

  • Packing important documents, medications, and clothing/personal items for 3 days 

  • Having a plan for your pets 

  • Downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert app from:  

Learn more about wildfire preparedness at: alberta.ca/wildfire-preparedness.aspx 

Structure Assessments 

The wildfire response remains the priority and conditions are rapidly changing. 

As crews actively fight the fire, plans are underway to do a formal assessment of properties in the affected area.  

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. 

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.  

Important Definitions and Resources 

Evacuation ALERT: A warning for people to prepare for possible evacuation on short notice. 

Evacuation ORDER: Requires residents to immediately evacuate by following the designated evacuation routes identified by the authorities. 

Alberta Emergency Alerts: Evacuation Alerts and Orders are issued via the Alberta Emergency Alert System. Residents are reminded to pay close attention to Alberta Emergency Alerts and download the mobile app: alberta.ca/emergencyalert. 

Current Evacuations  

Evacuation Alerts and Orders remain in effect. 

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

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. 

Everyone is encouraged to review the Government of Albertaprovides 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 to be released before 11 p.m. on Sunday, May 7.  

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