Yesterday the Wildfire Status was changed to Under Control which means the fire activity has been contained within the established fire perimeter, mostly within the Spring Creek area.  

Overnight fire operations found and actioned hot spots in Spring Creek. A lot of the hot spots are in areas with peat moss, which are being actioned by crews. Crews continue to remove downed trees from fire guards to reduce fuel throughout the area, and helicopters continue to bucket hot spot areas as they are identified. Residents can expect to see low flying drones over the next few days.  

RCMP confirmed no reports of damage, break-ins or other criminal activity from returning residents. Thank you to the RCMP for their work in maintaining a secure perimeter around the affected areas and assisting residents with temporary access to properties under evacuation orders. This would not have been possible without their support.  

We will be announcing re-entry information later today as fire operations remove structural protection, evaluate hot spots and conduct safety checks.  

 

Changes to Evacuation Area and Re-Entry  

Yesterday afternoon, Evacuation Orders for some County of Grande Prairie residents changed to an Evacuation Alert. 207 households were allowed to return to their properties, while remaining prepared to evacuate in 30 minutes. The Evacuation Alert for some residents was removed. 

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.   

Select 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.  

 

 

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.  

 

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.