County of Grande Prairie Wildfire Media Release Update #11: May 13, 2024, 1:00pm

Date: May 13, 2024

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.

evac zone

chopper shot