Dunes West Wildfire Update #9 | 10:30 p.m. | Additional Resources On The Way, Info Session for Evacuees to be Held Tomorrow

Additional resources are on the way to Grande Prairie and will provide support to the local fire response including additional helicopters with buckets, seven fire engines, and an estimated 100 firefighters to provide relief and shift change support to the local responders.

Current Status of Wildfire

The wildfire continues to burn out-of-control at an estimated size of 1700 hectares.

Fire crews are working to protect structures and critical infrastructure such as power, gas, and water lines. Air crews provided firefighting support on the banks of the Wapiti River.

The establishment of fire guards continues to occur. Fire guards remove fuel and slow down the fire.

Technical Search and Rescue, RCMP, and Enforcement continue to ensure a secure perimeter around the evacuation area.

Assessments of weather conditions including wind, precipitation, and humidity is ongoing and the firefighting strategy is being adjusted as needed. Conditions continue to create a challenging firefighting situation.

Evacuation Information

Evacuation alerts and orders remain in effect and unchanged, view these in Dunes West Wildfire Update #8.

The situation continues to evolve. Residents outside the evacuation area are reminded 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: alberta.ca/emergencyalert

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

Information Session for Evacuees

Evacuees of the Dunes West Wildfire are invited to attend an Information Session with County of Grande Prairie Officials and members of the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership at Evaskevich Hall in the TARA Centre at Evergreen Park on May 8, 2023, at 7 p.m.

The session will provide evacuees with a status update on the current wildfire situation.

Evacuees can read frequently asked questions at: https://www.gprep.ca/news/evacuee-information-resources-dunes-west-wildfire/

Call Centre and Reception Centre Hours

The Call Centre and Reception Centre remain open overnight. Any evacuees requiring support may attend the Bonnetts Energy Centre located at Bonnetts Energy Centre located at 10017 99 Avenue in Grande Prairie.

The Dunes West Wildfire Information Line is available at 1-825-606-5092.

Residents are reminded to pay close attention to Alberta Emergency Alerts, as the wildfire continues to change.

Next Update

The next update will be available by 10 a.m. on May 8, 2023.

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