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We would like to send out a huge thank you to the brave firefighters and those who helped from the County of Grande Prairie, the City of Grande Prairie, Sexsmith, Bezanson, Teepee Creek, Wembley, Beaverlodge, Smokey River, Big Lakes County, the Town of Slave Lake Municipal District of Greenview, and Alberta Wildfire. Crews worked tirelessly to contain the fire in Teepee Creek and Valhalla. No properties were damaged, no one was injured, and the health and safety of residents was prioritized during the entire operation.  

Join us in saying THANK YOU! 

As our area recovers from the recent wildfire, it’s important to take precautions while returning home. Here are some important steps for residents returning home:  

1. Safety First: If you notice or suspect any source of heat or smoke, do not enter your home. Immediately call 911 for assistance.
2. Enter with Caution: If there’s no sign of heat or smoke and no danger of structural failure, proceed with extreme caution when entering your home for the first time after the wildfire.
3. Assess Tree Stability: Check the stability of trees around your property. Look for damage to the trunk or visible signs of burned roots. Damaged trees can pose a risk of falling and causing injury. Arrange for the removal of any damaged trees.
4. Manage Fire Debris: Soot, ash, and other fire debris may be scattered around your home and yard. Wet down any fire debris to reduce the risk of inhaling harmful particles. This simple step can protect your health and that of your family.
5. Monitor Pets and Animals: Keep an eye on your pets and animals and ensure they remain under your direct control. Fire retardants and fire debris can make them sick, and hazards may still be present on your property.
6. Protect Against Irritation: Soot, ash, and smoke can irritate your eyes, skin, throat, and lungs, especially if you have a pre-existing lung condition. If you experience irritation, flush your eyes thoroughly with water and use a gentle soap solution on your skin if needed.
7. Seek Medical Assistance: If you have difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing, move to a safe area and seek medical help immediately. Remember to take your prescription inhalers as directed.

Media Release: Update #16 May 15, 2024, 2:30 p.m.

Teepee Creek Fire 

The fire is now at a status of being held. Given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is NOT anticipated to grow past expected boundaries. Crews will continue to work in and monitor the area.

Changes to Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert

The Evacuation ORDER has been downgraded to an alert for Township Road 741 to a quarter section north of Township Road 734 and Range Road 32 to the Smoky River.

The Evacuation ALERT has been cancelled for residents located from Township Road 742 to 741 and Range Road 32 to the Smoky River.

Residents in the Evacuation ALERT area must be prepared to leave their homes in one hour if fire conditions change. You can find the re-entry information packages here: https://www.gprep.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Kleskun-Creek-Re-Entry-Document-Combined.pdf

If residents have any questions about returning home, please call: 1-825-606-5166.

Mental Health Support Update 

For those affected by the wildfires, mental health support remains accessible locally and across Alberta. Here are the resources available to you:

• Emergency/9-1-1 Services: Call 911 for immediate danger.
• Grande Prairie Aberdeen Centre – Walk-In Counselling Services (Youth and Adult): Provided by Alberta Health Services, offering immediate support. Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 780-833-4323
• Agknow via email at hello@agknow.ca or by calling (587) 200-2552. Website www.agknow.ca
• Alberta’s Addiction Helpline: Confidential support for addiction issues, call 1-866-332-2322.
• Kids Help Phone: Support for youth under 20, call 1-800-668-6868.
• Community School Liaison Program – County of Grande Prairie No.1 (countygp.ab.ca)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 686868 for crisis support via text.
• Indigenous Mental Health Help: Call 1-855-242-3310 for support and counselling in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
• AHS Integrated Crisis Access Team: Reach them at 587-259-5513 for mental health support, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Suicide Crisis Help Line 9-8-8
• Virtual Counselling Services: Reach out by calling 1-833-827-4230 or visiting counsellingalberta.com for virtual counselling services.
• Mental Health Help Line: Call 1-877-303-2642 for crisis support, information, and referrals regarding mental health concerns.
• Alberta 8-1-1 Health Link: Dial 8-1-1 for health advice from Alberta’s medical experts.
• 211 Alberta: Your gateway to digital supports and local services. Whether you need confidential support or information, simply call or text INFO to 211, or visit ab.211.ca.

We appreciate offers of help and assistance. The fire response is well resourced and have adequate support at this time.

For information regarding the response on the east side of the Big Smoky, please follow the Municipal District of Greenview at www.mdgreenview.ab.ca

Stay tuned to County of Grande Prairie No. 1 and www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for ongoing situation updates.

The next update will be provided at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 16.

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Media Contact:

County of Grande Prairie Communications

communications@countygp.ab.ca

Media Release: Update #15 May 15, 2024, 9:00 a.m.

Teepee Creek Fire  

The fire perimeter has not grown since the last update. Fire crews are continuing to reinforce the perimeter and check for hot spots.

Last night’s drone operation identified that there were fewer hot spots than the previous night’s operation on Tuesday.  Overnight precipitation helped keep dust down and humidity high which created favorable weather conditions.

There are ten homes remaining under evacuation order. No structures have been damaged or lost.

Checkpoints are still in place.  The public is reminded to contact the Call Centre at 1-825-606-5166 to determine if it’s safe to enter.

Changes to Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert size and Evacuee Re-Entry

As of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, The Evacuation Order for some County of Grande Prairie residents have decreased in size. The Evacuation Alert has also decreased in size.

• Residents located from Township Road 741 to a quarter section north of Township Road 734 and Range Road 32 to the Smoky River remain on Evacuation ORDER.

• The Evacuation ALERT has been decreased in size to include residents located from Township Road 742 to 741 and Range Road 32 to the Smoky River.

You can find the re-entry information packages here:

• On the GPREP website at www.gprep.ca  > news

If residents have any questions about returning home, please call: 1-825-606-5166.

Mental Health Support Update

For those affected by the wildfires, mental health support remains accessible locally and across Alberta. Here are the resources available to you:

• Emergency/9-1-1 Services: Call 911 for immediate danger.

• Grande Prairie Aberdeen Centre – Walk-In Counselling Services (Youth and Adult): Provided by Alberta Health Services, offering immediate support. Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 780-833-4323

• Agknow via email at hello@agknow.ca or by calling (587) 200-2552. Website www.agknow.ca

• Alberta’s Addiction Helpline: Confidential support for addiction issues, call 1-866-332-2322.

• Kids Help Phone: Support for youth under 20, call 1-800-668-6868.

• Community School Liaison Program – County of Grande Prairie No.1 (countygp.ab.ca)

• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 686868 for crisis support via text.

• Indigenous Mental Health Help: Call 1-855-242-3310 for support and counselling in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.

• AHS Integrated Crisis Access Team: Reach them at 587-259-5513 for mental health support, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Suicide Crisis Help Line 9-8-8

• Virtual Counselling Services: Reach out by calling 1-833-827-4230 or visiting counsellingalberta.com for virtual counselling services.

• Mental Health Help Line: Call 1-877-303-2642 for crisis support, information, and referrals regarding mental health concerns.

• Alberta 8-1-1 Health Link: Dial 8-1-1 for health advice from Alberta’s medical experts.

• 211 Alberta: Your gateway to digital supports and local services. Whether you need confidential support or information, simply call or text INFO to 211, or visit ab.211.ca.

We appreciate offers of help and assistance. The fire response is well resourced and have adequate support at this time.

For information regarding the response on the east side of the Big Smoky, please follow the Municipal District of Greenview at www.mdgreenview.ab.ca

Stay tuned to County of Grande Prairie No. 1 and www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for ongoing situation updates.

The next update will be provided at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, unless an emergency update is required.

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Media Contact: 

County of Grande Prairie Communications

communications@countygp.ab.ca

Media Release: Update #14 May 14, 2024, 3:30 pm

Teepee Creek Fire 

The fire perimeter has not had any new growth since the last update. Hot spots have been identified in the centre of the Teepee Creek wildfire zone which causes visible smoke in the area. Crews have reinforced the north side of the perimeter.

Checkpoints are still in place.  The public is reminded to contact the Call Centre at 1-825-606-5166 to determine if it’s safe to enter.

Changes to Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert size and Evacuee Re-Entry

As of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, Evacuation Orders for some County of Grande Prairie residents have decreased in size. The Evacuation Alert has also decreased in size.

• Residents located from Township Road 741 to a quarter section north of Township Road 734 and Range Road 32 to the Smoky River remain on Evacuation ORDER.
• The Evacuation ALERT has been decreased in size to include residents located from Township Road 742 to 741 and Range Road 32 to the Smoky River.

You can find the re-entry information packages here.

If residents have any questions about returning home, please call: 1-825-606-5166.

Mental Health Support Update 

For those affected by the wildfires, mental health support remains accessible locally and across Alberta. Here are the resources available to you:

• Emergency/9-1-1 Services: Call 911 for immediate danger.
• Grande Prairie Aberdeen Centre – Walk-In Counselling Services (Youth and Adult): Provided by Alberta Health Services, offering immediate support. Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 780-833-4323
• Agknow via email at hello@agknow.ca or by calling (587) 200-2552. Website agknow.ca
• Alberta’s Addiction Helpline: Confidential support for addiction issues, call 1-866-332-2322.
• Kids Help Phone: Support for youth under 20, call 1-800-668-6868.
• Community School Liaison Program – County of Grande Prairie No.1 (ab.ca)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 686868 for crisis support via text.
• Indigenous Mental Health Help: Call 1-855-242-3310 for support and counselling in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
• AHS Integrated Crisis Access Team: Reach them at 587-259-5513 for mental health support, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Suicide Crisis Help Line 9-8-8
• Virtual Counselling Services: Reach out by calling 1-833-827-4230 or visiting com for virtual counselling services.
• Mental Health Help Line: Call 1-877-303-2642 for crisis support, information, and referrals regarding mental health concerns.
• Alberta 8-1-1 Health Link: Dial 8-1-1 for health advice from Alberta’s medical experts.
• 211 Alberta: Your gateway to digital supports and local services. Whether you need confidential support or information, simply call or text INFO to 211, or visit 211.ca.

For information regarding the response on the east side of the Big Smoky, please follow the Municipal District of Greenview at www.mdgreenview.ab.ca

Stay tuned to County of Grande Prairie No. 1 and www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for ongoing situation updates.

Residents are encouraged to download and sign up for Voyent Alert! Notifications mass Notification Service – Keep People Safe & Informed – Voyent Alert! (voyent-alert.com)

The next update will be provided at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, unless an emergency update is required.

Teepee Creek Fire

The fire perimeter has not had any new growth since the last update. Hot spots have been identified in the centre of the Teepee Creek wildfire zone which causes visible smoke in the area. Crews have reinforced the north side of the perimeter.

Overnight, the night vision helicopter continued bucketing on the west and east sides, making sure embers are contained.

Checkpoints are still in place. Public is reminded to contact the Call Centre at 1-825-606-5166 to determine if it’s safe to enter

Mental Health Support Update

For those affected by the wildfires, mental health support remains accessible locally and across Alberta. Here are the resources available to you:

• Emergency/9-1-1 Services: Call 911 for immediate danger.
• Grande Prairie Aberdeen Centre – Walk-In Counselling Services (Youth and Adult): Provided by Alberta Health Services, offering immediate support. Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 780-833-4323
• Agknow via email at hello@agknow.ca or by calling (587) 200-2552. Website agknow.ca
• Alberta’s Addiction Helpline: Confidential support for addiction issues, call 1-866-332-2322.
• Kids Help Phone: Support for youth under 20, call 1-800-668-6868.
• Community School Liaison Program – County of Grande Prairie No.1 (countygp.ab.ca)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 686868 for crisis support via text.
• Indigenous Mental Health Help: Call 1-855-242-3310 for support and counselling in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
• AHS Integrated Crisis Access Team: Reach them at 587-259-5513 for mental health support, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Suicide Crisis Help Line 9-8-8
• Virtual Counselling Services: Reach out by calling 1-833-827-4230 or visiting counsellingalberta.com for virtual counselling services.
• Mental Health Help Line: Call 1-877-303-2642 for crisis support, information, and referrals regarding mental health concerns.
• Alberta 8-1-1 Health Link: Dial 8-1-1 for health advice from Alberta’s medical experts.
• 211 Alberta: Your gateway to digital supports and local services. Whether you need confidential support or information, simply call or text INFO to 211, or visit ab.211.ca.

The evacuation order remains in effect and is being actively enforced. RCMP are monitoring access to the evacuation zone. In addition to RCMP and Regional Enforcement, Technical Search and Rescue are assisting with access control.

No access is allowed to the evacuation zone without a permit. The evacuation zone remains the same as communicated in previous updates. Individuals who require access to the evacuation zone must contact the call centre at 1-825-606-5166 to obtain a permit or register as evacuees between the hours of 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

The following area remains under an evacuation order:

• Kleskun Creek North to Township Road 742. Evacuation order is also in effect for the Riverstone Golf Course.
• The following areas remain on alert for possible evacuation:
• Township Road 744 to 750 and Range Road 32
• Township Road 744 to 730 and Range Road 32

We appreciate offers of help and assistance. The fire response is well resourced and have adequate support at this time.

For information regarding the response on the east side of the Big Smoky, please follow the Municipal District of Greenview at www.mdgreenview.ab.ca

Stay tuned to County of Grande Prairie No. 1 and www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for ongoing situation updates.

Residents are encouraged to download and sign up for Voyent Alert! Notifications mass Notification Service – Keep People Safe & Informed – Voyent Alert! (voyent-alert.com)

The next update will be provided at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, unless an emergency update is required.

Media Release: Update #12 May 13, 2024, 7:45 p.m.

Teepee Creek Fire

The fire perimeter has not had any new growth since the last update. Hot spots have been identified in the centre of the Teepee Creek wildfire zone which causes visible smoke in the area. Hotspots have been fully extinguished within 30 metres of the perimeter. Crews will continue to reinforce the perimeter with heavy equipment.

Checkpoints are still in place. Public is reminded to contact the Call Centre at 1-825-606-5166 to determine if it’s safe to enter.

Mental Health Support Update

For those affected by the wildfires, mental health support remains accessible locally and across Alberta. Here are the resources available to you:

• Emergency/9-1-1 Services: Call 911 for immediate danger.
• Grande Prairie Aberdeen Centre – Walk-In Counselling Services (Youth and Adult): Provided by Alberta Health Services, offering immediate support. Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 780-833-4323 
• Agknow via email at hello@agknow.ca or by calling (587) 200-2552. Website agknow.ca
• Alberta’s Addiction Helpline: Confidential support for addiction issues, call 1-866-332-2322.
• Kids Help Phone: Support for youth under 20, call 1-800-668-6868.
• Community School Liaison Program – County of Grande Prairie No.1 (countygp.ab.ca)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 686868 for crisis support via text.
• Indigenous Mental Health Help: Call 1-855-242-3310 for support and counselling in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
• AHS Integrated Crisis Access Team: Reach them at 587-259-5513 for mental health support, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Suicide Crisis Help Line 9-8-8
• Virtual Counselling Services: Reach out by calling 1-833-827-4230 or visiting counsellingalberta.com for virtual counselling services.
• Mental Health Help Line: Call 1-877-303-2642 for crisis support, information, and referrals regarding mental health concerns.
• Alberta 8-1-1 Health Link: Dial 8-1-1 for health advice from Alberta’s medical experts.
• 211 Alberta: Your gateway to digital supports and local services. Whether you need confidential support or information, simply call or text INFO to 211, or visit ab.211.ca.

The evacuation order remains in effect and is being actively enforced. RCMP are monitoring access to the evacuation zone. In addition to RCMP and Regional Enforcement, Technical Search and Rescue are assisting with access control.

No access is allowed to the evacuation zone without a permit. The evacuation zone remains the same as communicated in previous updates. Individuals who require access to the evacuation zone must contact the call centre at 1-825-606-5166 to obtain a permit or register as evacuees between the hours of 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

The following area remains under an evacuation order:

• Kleskun Creek North to Township Road 742. Evacuation order is also in effect for the Riverstone Golf Course.
• The following areas remain on alert for possible evacuation:
• Township Road 744 to 750 and Range Road 32
• Township Road 744 to 730 and Range Road 32

We appreciate offers of help and assistance. The fire response is well resourced and have adequate support at this time.

For information regarding the response on the east side of the Big Smoky, please follow the Municipal District of Greenview at www.mdgreenview.ab.ca

Valhalla Wildfire

GWF029 wildfire started 13 km northwest of the town of Valhalla. The wildfire is now listed as being held at 100 hectares with a dozer guard surrounding the perimeter. County crews are no longer working in this area. After this update, here will be no further updates on the Valhalla fire.

Alberta Wildfire is the lead authority on the wildfire, and they will provide updates as the situation changes.

Stay tuned to County of Grande Prairie No. 1 and www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for ongoing situation updates.

Residents are encouraged to download and sign up for Voyent Alert! Notifications mass Notification Service – Keep People Safe & Informed – Voyent Alert! (voyent-alert.com)

The next update will be provided at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14, unless an emergency update is required.

Media Release: Update #11 May 13, 2024, 1:00 p.m.

Teepee Creek Fire

The fire perimeter has not had any new growth since the last update. Hot spots have been identified in the centre of the Teepee Creek wildfire zone which causes visible smoke in the area.

Mental Health Support Update

For those affected by the wildfires, mental health support remains accessible locally and across Alberta. Here are the resources available to you:

• Emergency/9-1-1 Services: Call 911 for immediate danger.
• Grande Prairie Aberdeen Centre – Walk-In Counselling Services (Youth and Adult): Provided by Alberta Health Services, offering immediate support. Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 780-833-4323
• Agknow via email at hello@agknow.ca or by calling (587) 200-2552. Website www.agknow.ca
• Alberta’s Addiction Helpline: Confidential support for addiction issues, call 1-866-332-2322.
• Kids Help Phone: Support for youth under 20, call 1-800-668-6868.
• Community School Liaison Program – County of Grande Prairie No.1 (countygp.ab.ca)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 686868 for crisis support via text.
• Indigenous Mental Health Help: Call 1-855-242-3310 for support and counselling in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
• AHS Integrated Crisis Access Team: Reach them at 587-259-5513 for mental health support, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Suicide Crisis Help Line 9-8-8
• Virtual Counselling Services: Reach out by calling 1-833-827-4230 or visiting counsellingalberta.com for virtual counselling services.
• Mental Health Help Line: Call 1-877-303-2642 for crisis support, information, and referrals regarding mental health concerns.
• Alberta 8-1-1 Health Link: Dial 8-1-1 for health advice from Alberta’s medical experts.
• 211 Alberta: Your gateway to digital supports and local services. Whether you need confidential support or information, simply call or text INFO to 211, or visit ab.211.ca.

Information from previous update: 

The evacuation order remains in effect and is being actively enforced. RCMP are monitoring access to the evacuation zone. In addition to RCMP and Regional Enforcement, Technical Search and Rescue are assisting with access control.

No access is allowed to the evacuation zone without a permit. The evacuation zone remains the same as communicated in previous updates. Individuals who require access to the evacuation zone must contact the call centre at 1-825-606-5166 to obtain a permit or register as evacuees between the hours of 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

The following area remains under an evacuation order:

• Kleskun Creek North to Township Road 742. Evacuation order is also in effect for the Riverstone Golf Course.
• The following areas remain on alert for possible evacuation:
• Township Road 744 to 750 and Range Road 32
• Township Road 744 to 730 and Range Road 32

We appreciate offers of help and assistance. The fire response is well resourced and have adequate support at this time.

For information regarding the response on the east side of the Big Smoky, please follow the Municipal District of Greenview at www.mdgreenview.ab.ca

Valhalla Wildfire

GWF029 wildfire started 13 km northwest of the town of Valhalla. The wildfire is now listed as being held at 100 hectares. Today was a good firefighting day for Alberta Wildfire and their crews were able to completely secure the perimeter and are now working to extinguish the fire. There are 26 firefighters working with pump and hose, hand tools and a helicopter bucketing hotspots within the perimeter boundaries.

Alberta Wildfire is the lead authority on the wildfire, and they will provide updates as the situation changes.

Stay tuned to County of Grande Prairie No. 1 and www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for ongoing situation updates.

Residents are encouraged to download and sign up for Voyent Alert! Notifications mass Notification Service – Keep People Safe & Informed – Voyent Alert! (voyent-alert.com)

The next update will be provided at 8 p.m. on Monday, May 13, unless an emergency update is required.

Media Release: Update #10 May 13, 2024, 9:00 am

 Teepee Creek Fire 

Alberta Wildfire was flying their night vision helicopter that was working throughout the night Sunday, May 12 from approximately 9:00p.m. to 3:00a.m. Monday, May 13 on the Teepee Creek wildfire. Wildfire crew, municipal fire fighters and heavy equipment also worked throughout the night where hot spots were identified and monitored. There is no new growth of the fire and a 100ft wet line is being established to reenforce the fire guard.

Crews continue working and have made good progress, completing 100 per cent of the fire guard.

Structural protection continues on the three homes and two cabins in the area with mop up starting. No structures have been damaged or lost.

Weather was cooperative throughout the night and fire behaviour has been favourable. Air support will continue this morning and throughout the day to support firefighting efforts.

The evacuation order remains in effect and is being actively enforced. RCMP are monitoring access to the evacuation zone. In addition to RCMP and Regional Enforcement, Technical Search and Rescue are assisting with access control.

No access is allowed to the evacuation zone without a permit. The evacuation zone remains the same as communicated in previous updates. Individuals who require access to the evacuation zone must contact the call centre at 1-825-606-5166 to obtain a permit or register as evacuees between the hours of 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

The following area remains under an evacuation order:

• Kleskun Creek North to Township Road 742. Evacuation order is also in effect for the Riverstone Golf Course.
• The following areas remain on alert for possible evacuation:
• Township Road 744 to 750 and Range Road 32
• Township Road 744 to 730 and Range Road 32

We appreciate offers of help and assistance. The fire response is well resourced and have adequate support at this time.

For information regarding the response on the east side of the Big Smoky, please follow the Municipal District of Greenview at www.mdgreenview.ab.ca

Valhalla Wildfire 

GWF029 wildfire started 13 km northwest of the town of Valhalla. The wildfire is now listed as being held at 100 hectares. Today was a good firefighting day for Alberta Wildfire and their crews were able to completely secure the perimeter and are now working to extinguish the fire. There are 26 firefighters working with pump and hose, hand tools and a helicopter bucketing hotspots within the perimeter boundaries.

Alberta Wildfire is the lead authority on the wildfire, and they will provide updates as the situation changes.

Stay tuned to County of Grande Prairie No. 1 and www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for ongoing situation updates.

Residents are encouraged to download and sign up for Voyent Alert! Notifications mass Notification Service – Keep People Safe & Informed – Voyent Alert! (voyent-alert.com)

The next update will be provided at 1pm on Monday, May 13, unless an emergency update is required.

– 30 –

Media Contact:

County of Grande Prairie Communications

communications@countygp.ab.ca

Media Release: Update #9 May 12, 2024, 9:00 pm 

Teepee Creek Fire
Be aware, Alberta Wildfire will be flying a night vision helicopter working throughout the night until the night from approximately 9:00p.m. to 3:00a.m. on the Teepee Creek wildfire, along with a wildfire crew, municipal fire fighters and heavy equipment to secure the perimeter on priority hotspots. A reminder that flying drones near wildfires endangers firefighters and may cause firefighting operations to stop. Please respect the law and give crews the space to work safely.  

Crews continue working and have made good progress, completing 90 per cent of the fire guard around the perimeter. 

Additional crews and equipment continue to support wildfire operations from Municipal District of Greenview, City of Grande Prairie, Municipal District of Smoky River, Big Lakes County, Town of Slave Lake, Alberta Wildfire crews and aircraft. 

Twenty pieces of heavy equipment, four helicopters and approximately 80 fire fighters are working on the fire near Teepee Creek. 

In addition, eight fire engines, three fire tenders, seven commercial water trucks, two structural protection units and two command vehicles from municipal and mutual aid resources are working on the fire. 

There was limited fire growth today to the north and west of the fire.  Weather has been cooperative today and fire behaviour has been favourable. Air tankers and helicopters were mobilized this morning and throughout the day to support firefighting efforts. No structures have been lost. Fire suppression is being provided to homes near the fire. 

The evacuation order remains in effect and is being actively enforced. RCMP are monitoring access to the evacuation zone and additional officers are on site today. In addition to RCMP and Regional Enforcement, Technical Search and Rescue are assisting with access control. 

No access is allowed to the evacuation zone without a permit. The evacuation zone remains the same as communicated in previous updates. Individuals who require access to the evacuation zone must contact the call centre at 1-825-606-5166 to obtain a permit or register as evacuees between the hours of 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. 

The following area remains under an evacuation order: 

• Kleskun Creek North to Township Road 742. Evacuation order is also in effect for the Riverstone Golf Course. 
• The following areas remain on alert for possible evacuation: 

• Township Road 744 to 750 and Range Road 32 
• Township Road 744 to 730 and Range Road 32 

We appreciate offers of help and assistance. The fire response is well resourced and have adequate support at this time. 

For information regarding the response on the east side of the Big Smoky, please follow the Municipal District of Greenview at www.mdgreenview.ab.ca 

Valhalla Wildfire 

GWF029 wildfire started 13 km northwest of the town of Valhalla. The wildfire is now listed as being held at 100 hectares. Today was a good firefighting day for Alberta Wildfire and their crews were able to completely secure the perimeter and are now working to extinguish the fire. There are 26 firefighters working with pump and hose, hand tools and a helicopter bucketing hotspots within the perimeter boundaries. 

Alberta Wildfire is the lead authority on the wildfire, and they will provide updates as the situation changes. 

Stay tuned to County of Grande Prairie No. 1 and www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for ongoing situation updates. 

Residents are encouraged to download and sign up for Voyent Alert! Notifications mass Notification Service – Keep People Safe & Informed – Voyent Alert! (voyent-alert.com) 

The next update will be provided at 9am on Monday, May 13, unless an emergency update is required. 

TeePee Creek Fire

Crews continue working and have made good progress, completing 80 per cent of the fire guard around the perimeter.

Additional crews and equipment have arrived to support wildfire operations from Alberta Wildfire, Municipal District of Greenview, City of Grande Prairie, Municipal District of Smoky River, Big Lakes County, Town of Slave Lake, Alberta Wildfire crews and aircraft.

Twenty pieces of heavy equipment, four helicopters and approximately 80 fire fighters are working on the fire near TeePee Creek.

In addition, eight fire engines, three fire tenders, seven commercial water trucks, two structural protection units and two command vehicles from municipal and mutual aid resources are working on the fire.

There was limited fire growth yesterday to the north and west of the fire. Containment is good, additional resources and heavy equipment are on scene from Alberta Wildfire. High winds are forecasted later today. Air tankers and helicopters have been mobilized this morning to support fire fighting efforts. No structures have been lost. Fire suppression is being provided homes near the fire.

The evacuation order remains in effect and is being actively enforced. RCMP are monitoring access to the evacuation zone and additional officers are on site today. In addition to RCMP and Bylaw Enforcement,Technical Search and Rescue are assisting with access control.

No access is allowed to the evacuation zone without a permit. The evacuation zone remains the same as communicated in previous updates. Individuals who require access to the evacuation zone must contact the call centre at 1-825-606-5166 to obtain a permit or register as evacuees.

The following area remains under an evacuation order:

• Kleskun Creek North to Township Road 742. Evacuation order is also in effect for the Riverstone Golf Course.

The following areas remain on alert for possible evacuation:

• Township Road 744 to 750 and Range Road 32
• Township Road 744 to 730 and Range Road 32

We appreciate offers of help and assistance. The fire response is well resourced and have adequate support at this time.

For information regarding the response on the east side of the Big Smoky, please follow the Municipal District of Greenview at www.mdgreenview.ab.ca

Valhalla Wildfire

The County of Grande Prairie is assisting Alberta Wildfire with a wildfire 13 kilometres northwest of the hamlet of Valhalla. GWF029 wildfire is now listed as being held at 100 hectares with a dozer guard surrounding the perimeter. County crews will pull back operations tomorrow morning, and Alberta Wildfire will continue mop-up.

Alberta Wildfire is the lead authority on the wildfire, and they will provide updates as the situation changes.

Smoke Conditions

The smoke that the Grande Prairie region is experiencing is from the Fort Nelson wildfire; it’s the result of an inversion, funnelling smoke from wildfires throughout the province of Alberta. 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 furnaces, fireplaces, or stoves.
• Turn on your air conditioning if you have it and set it to recirculate.
• Use humidifiers.

More resources are available at Wildfire Smoke and Your Health (alberta.ca)

Stay tuned to County of Grande Prairie No. 1 and www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for ongoing situation updates.

Residents are encouraged to download and sign up for Voyent Alert! Notifications.Mass Notification Service – Keep People Safe & Informed – Voyent Alert! (voyent-alert.com)

The next update will be provided at 9pm on Sunday, May 12, unless an emergency update is required.

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Media Contact: 

County of Grande Prairie Communications

communications@countygp.ab.ca