MEDIA RELEASE: Update #6 May 11, 2024, 9:00pm
Teepee Creek Wildfire
Crews have completed the south side fire guard, and today, a specialized heavy equipment group capable of a 24-hour operational period arrived. Work will continue throughout the night to complete the north side fire guard. 70% of the fire guard has been completed. The fire is classified as out of control at 1,382 hectares. Structural protection continues on the three homes and two cabins in the area. No structures have been damaged. Due to heavy smoke, air support was grounded today.
County of Grande Prairie and Alberta Wildfire crews continue to respond with heavy equipment. Fire behaviour is expected to be active with winds shifting out of the west to the east tomorrow morning.
An evacuation order remains in place for Kleskun Creek North to Township Road 742. The evacuation order is also in effect for the Riverstone Golf Course. A map of the evacuation area is included below.
All evacuees must register at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre located at 11633 100 St, Grande Prairie. Bring pets, important documents, medication, medical devices, food and water to be prepared to be away from your home for 7 days.
The following areas are on alert for possible evacuation:
- Township Road 744 to 750 and Range Road 32
- Township Road 744 to 730 and Range Road 32
An evacuation alert means be prepared to evacuate. No evacuation is required at this time for these areas.
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 www.facebook.com/cogp1 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 9:00am on Sunday May 13 unless an emergency update is required.
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Media Contact:
County of Grande Prairie Communications
