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Update #18: County of Grande Prairie expands evacuation order, alert

Date: June 8, 2025

Grande Prairie — Sunday, June 8, 2025, 4:29 p.m. – The County of Grande Prairie has expanded its evacuation order and evacuation alert.  

The evacuation order has been expanded to include everyone north of Township Road 700 to Highway 43, east of the British Columbia/Alberta border to Range Road 130. The evacuation order is outlined in the red area of the attached map. Everyone in the red area must evacuate now. 

Evacuate immediately and report to the reception centre at the Hythe Community Library at 10013, 100 Street. Reception staff will assign accommodations—either hotel lodging or camping at Hythe Municipal Campground. The reception centre will remain open until midnight tonight and will reopen tomorrow from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm daily until further notice.

Highway 43 remains open. Please visit 511 Alberta for the most up-to-date road report. 

The evacuation alert has expanded to include everyone north of Township Road 710 and Highway 43 to Township Road 752, east of Range Road 130 to Range Road 124. The evacuation alert is outlined in the yellow area of the attached map. Everyone in the yellow area must prepare to evacuate. 

If an evacuation order is issued, residents will have 30 minutes to evacuate.   

Overnight scanning operations indicate the wildfire has grown to 13,442 hectares. The wildfire is moving northeast at a rate of 1.5 kilometres per hour.  

Whenever an evacuation order is issued, residents have 30 minutes to evacuate. Bring important documents, medication, medical devices, and prepare to be away from your home for 7 days. If you need help evacuating, contact the GPREP Call Centre at 780-830-5002. 

The next update will be provided as new information is available. 

Alberta Evacuee Resources: 

  • GPREP Call Centre: Call 780-830-5002, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
  • GPREP Evacuee Support Guide: https://www.gprep.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/GPREP-Evacuee-Support-Guide-2025-1.pdf 
  • Register livestock with the County’s Livestock Emergency Response Plan (LERP): Contact the GPREP Call Centre at 780-830-5002 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Where to find fire updates:  

About GPREP 

The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) brings together the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley to coordinate resources, training, and response strategies for large-scale emergencies. GPREP enhances public safety, strengthens community resilience, and delivers timely crisis information. Learn more at www.GPREP.ca and follow us on www.Facebook.com/GPREPalerts, and Twitter [X] www.x.com/gprepalerts. 

 

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Media contact:  

Information Officer, 
GPREP, 
587-771-0825,
IOF@gprep.ca 

Update #17: Unpredictable fire behaviour expected today due to weather conditions

Date: June 8, 2025

Grande Prairie — Sunday, June 8, 2025, 10:30 a.m. – Weather will play an important factor in today’s efforts in managing and containing the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire. The County of Grande Prairie evacuation order and alert remain in place. 

Today’s hot, dry, and windy conditions are expected to result in extreme and unpredictable fire behaviour. Temperatures will reach 26°C, with humidity falling to 23 per cent. Southwest winds will increase throughout the day, gusting up to 65 km/h. 

While a cold front is forecast to pass through between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. this evening, a shift in wind direction from southwest to west may begin earlier this afternoon and could drive rapid fire spread and cause sudden changes in fire direction and intensity. 

The estimated 13,061-hectare size of the fire will be updated later today following scanning operations conducted overnight.   

Overnight, fire behaviour remained active, particularly on the northeast corner. Between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., winds from the south and southeast contributed to growth on the north side of the fire. Night vision helicopters were active through the night, continuing bucketing operations to limit spread.  

Today, Alberta Wildfire and County crews continue to work on the east side of the fire on the Alberta side with aircraft support. Structure protection personnel remain in place in the County of Grande Prairie and Kelly Lake to maintain sprinkler systems, suppress hot spots, and protect structures. 

Alberta Wildfire, the B.C. Wildfire Service, and the County of Grande Prairie are operating under unified command to coordinate efforts in managing and containing this large wildfire threatening the region. The unified command is also working closely with the Peace River Regional District to ensure a coordinated regional response. 

Whenever an evacuation order is issued, residents have 30 minutes to evacuate. Bring important documents, medication, medical devices, and prepare to be away from your home for 7 days. If you need help evacuating, contact the GPREP Call Centre at 780-830-5002. 

Alberta Evacuee Resources: 

Where to find fire updates:  

Donations: 

The next update will be provided as new information is available. 

About GPREP 

The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) brings together the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley to coordinate resources, training, and response strategies for large-scale emergencies. GPREP enhances public safety, strengthens community resilience, and delivers timely crisis information. Learn more at www.GPREP.ca and follow us on www.Facebook.com/GPREPalerts, and Twitter [X] www.x.com/gprepalerts. 

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Media contact: 
Information Officer, 
GPREP, 
587-771-0825,
IOF@gprep.ca 

Update #16: Crews actioning Alberta side of Kiskatinaw River Wildfire

Date: June 7, 2025

Grande Prairie — Saturday, June 7, 2025, 10:25 p.m. – Alberta Wildfire, the B.C. Wildfire Service, and the County of Grande Prairie continue operating under unified command to coordinate efforts in managing and containing the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire. The unified command is also working closely with the Peace River Regional District to ensure a coordinated regional response. 

Weather conditions remained stable today. Although temperatures rose and the air remained dry, no extreme fire behaviour was observed. Conditions are expected to change significantly on Sunday. Hot, dry, and windy weather is forecast, with winds gusting up to 60 km/h throughout the day. 

A cold front will move through the region Sunday evening, potentially shifting wind direction. These conditions could lead to rapid fire spread, sudden changes in fire direction, and extreme fire behaviour. 

Due to favourable fire behaviour today, Alberta Wildfire and County crews were able to action the Alberta side of the wildfire. 

The fire is estimated at 13,061 hectares. Scanning operations will be conducted overnight to produce an updated size of the wildfire.   

The County of Grande Prairie evacuation order and alert remain in place.  

“Ensuring the safety of our residents is our top priority,” says County of Grande Prairie Reeve Bob Marshall. “We urge everyone within the evacuation order zone to obey the evacuation order and register to ensure the GPREP team can account for those who have left the area.” 

Whenever an evacuation order is issued, residents have 30 minutes to evacuate. Bring important documents, medication, medical devices, and prepare to be away from your home for 7 days. If you need help evacuating, contact the GPREP Call Centre at 780-830-5002. 

The County’s Agriculture team is working closely with livestock owners. Registering with the County’s Livestock Emergency Response Plan (LERP) will help ensure continuity of animal care and safety. To register, contact the GPREP Call Centre at 780-830-5002 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Alberta Evacuee Resources: 

  • GPREP Call Centre: Call 780-830-5002, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Where to find fire updates:  

Donations: 

The next update will be provided as new information is available. 

About GPREP 

The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) brings together the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley to coordinate resources, training, and response strategies for large-scale emergencies. GPREP enhances public safety, strengthens community resilience, and delivers timely crisis information. Learn more at www.GPREP.ca and follow us on www.Facebook.com/GPREPalerts, and Twitter [X] www.x.com/gprepalerts. 

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Media contact:
Information Officer, 
GPREP, 
587-771-0825,
IOF@gprep.ca 

Update #15: County Evacuation Order and Alert Remains

Date: June 7, 2025

Update #15: County Evacuation Order and Alert Remains

Grande Prairie — Saturday, June 7, 2025, 1:50 p.m. – The County of Grande Prairie evacuation order and alert remain in place.  

The evacuation order remains in place for everyone north of township road 700 to 740, east of the British Columbia/Alberta border to Range Road 130. The evacuation alert remains in effect for everyone east along Township Road 710, from Range Road 130 to 124 and north along British Columbia/Alberta border to Township Road 750 until Highway 43. 

If an evacuation order is issued, residents will have 30 minutes to evacuate. Bring important documents, medication, medical devices, and prepare to be away from your home for 7 days. If you need help evacuating, contact the Call Centre at 780-830-5002.

The fire has reduced in size from the estimated 14,276 hectares to 13,061 hectares in size. Overnight, smoke helped to moderate fire behaviour, and the strong winds that were forecast did not materialize. As a result, fire activity was limited and minimal growth occurred. Today, stronger winds are expected; however, continued smoke cover may help keep temperatures lower and relative humidity higher. If the smoke lifts, more active fire behaviour is likely.  

Crews will utilize direct attack along the south flank. Mop up will continue along the west flank as crews extinguish hotspots along Highway 52. Control lines are being completed this morning along the northwest section of the fire, so planned ignitions operations can occur to secure the north flank. Operations like these are critical to achieving containment, and limited fire spread. Due to heavy smoke and low visibility, air support may be minimal today.   

Northeasterly winds are pushing dense smoke into the area from multiple fire across British Columbia and Alberta. Visit firesmoke.ca.  If you have smoke-related health concerns, call 811 or visit the Alberta Health website. 

County crews continue to work in the evacuation area to protect homes from wildfire. Firefighters will enter residents’ yards to move flammable materials away around homes and test structural protection sprinkler systems to help keep the area safe.  

County residents who have not registered their livestock with the County’s Livestock Emergency Response Plan (LERP) should call GPREP Call Centre at 780-830-5002 9:00 am – 9:00 pm. 

The Northwestern Alberta Foundation has activated its online donations page to accept monetary contributions in support of communities impacted by the wildfire within its service area. You can donate here: https://cfna.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1465 

Alberta Evacuee Resources: 

  • GPREP Call Centre: 780-830-5002  
  • GPREP Evacuee Support Guide: https://www.gprep.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/GPREP-Evacuee-Support-Guide-2025-1.pdf 

Where to find fire updates:  

  • For ongoing updates please see out website at www.gprpe.ca or follow us on social media on Facebook or X (Twitter) www.x.com/gprepalerts. 

The next update will be provided as new information is available. 

 

About GPREP 

The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) brings together the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley to coordinate resources, training, and response strategies for large-scale emergencies. GPREP enhances public safety, strengthens community resilience, and delivers timely crisis information. Learn more at www.GPREP.ca and follow us on www.Facebook.com/GPREPalerts, and Twitter [X] www.x.com/gprepalerts. 

 

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Media contact: 
Information Officer, 
GPREP, 
587-771-0825,
 IOF@gprep.ca 

Update #13: County Evacuation Alert Area Expanded

Date: June 6, 2025

Update #13: County Evacuation Alert Area Expanded, Evacuation Order Remains 

Grande Prairie — Friday, June 6, 2025, 11:30 a.m. – The County of Grande Prairie has issued an evacuation order and has expanded the evacuation alert area due to a wildfire. 

The current evacuation alert remains in effect and has expanded to include everyone south of Township Road 710 to 700 east of the British Columbia border to Range Road 130. 

If an evacuation order is issued, residents will have 30 minutes to evacuate. 

The evacuation order remains in effect for everyone located north of Township Road 710 to Township Road 740, east of the BC/Alberta border to Range Road 130.  

Alberta Wildfire, and the BC Wildfire Service continue to respond to the Kiskatinaw River wildfire, located in the area of Kelly Lake, B.C. The fire is estimated to be 11,903 hectares in size. Last night, windy conditions drove this wildfire closer to the Alberta border. Spot fires, which are small fires that start from embers, are now on the Alberta side of the border. 

Aggressive fire behaviour is expected again today, with strong south-westerly winds shifting north-west with the passage of a cold front late this afternoon. These dangerous wind conditions are expected to persist through the weekend. Firefighters will face challenging conditions today and throughout the weekend.  

County Regional Fire Service has completed structural protection for properties at risk within the County of Grande Prairie. With the expected increase in fire behaviour, the County has increased staffing, staged aerial and heavy equipment, and is supporting the BC Wildfire Service and Alberta Wildfire as the lead agencies responding to the wildfire.     

Highway 43 is currently open but subject to change if conditions worsen. Please visit 511 Alberta for the most up to date road report.   

The County of Grande Prairie, Alberta Wildfire, BC Wildfire Service, and the Peace River Regional District continue to work closely in this coordinated effort to manage and contain this large wildfire threatening the region.  

Evacuees can report to the GPREP Reception Centre at the Hythe Community Library at 10013, 100 Street until 9:00 p.m. Reception staff will assign accommodations for either hotel lodging or camping at Hythe Municipal Campground.  

County residents who have not registered their livestock with the County’s Livestock Emergency Response Plan (LERP) should call 780-532-9727 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday. The GPREP Call Centre at 780-830-5002 is available until 9 p.m. 

The Northwestern Alberta Foundation has activated its online donations page to accept monetary contributions in support of communities impacted by the wildfire within its service area. You can donate here: https://cfna.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1465 

Alberta Evacuee Resources: 

  • GPREP Call Centre: 780-830-5002 until 9:00 p.m. 
  • GPREP Evacuee Support Guide: https://www.gprep.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/GPREP-Evacuee-Support-Guide-2025-1.pdf 

 

Where to find fire updates:  

 

The next update will be provided as new information is available. 

About GPREP 

The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) brings together the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley to coordinate resources, training, and response strategies for large-scale emergencies. GPREP enhances public safety, strengthens community resilience, and delivers timely crisis information. Learn more at www.GPREP.ca and follow us on www.Facebook.com/GPREPalerts, and Twitter [X] www.x.com/gprepalerts. 

 

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Media contact: 
Information Officer, 
GPREP, 
587-771-0825,
IOF@gprep.ca 

Update #12: County Residents remain on Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert  

Date: June 5, 2025

Update #12: County Residents remain on Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert  

Thursday, June 5, 2025, 9:30 p.m. – The evacuation order is still in effect for everyone located north of Township Road 710 to 740, east of the British Columbia/Alberta border to Range Road 130. 

The evacuation alert is still in effect for residents east along Township Road 710, from Range Road 130 to 124 and north along British Columbia/Alberta border to Township Road 750 until Highway 43.  

Highway 43 is currently open but subject to change if conditions worsen. Please visit 511 Alberta for the most up to date road report.  

BC Wildfire Service reports that strong winds continue to cause aggressive fire behaviour. Over the course of the day, the fire has advanced rapidly toward the Alberta border. On Friday, a developing weather system will bring gusts up to 70 km/h leading to aggressive and extreme fire conditions which will challenge resources. For the latest information on this wildfire and others in B.C., visit the BC Wildfire Service website. 

Alberta Wildfire continues to work closely with BC Wildfire Service, the County of Grande Prairie, and the Peace River Regional District in this coordinated effort to manage and contain this large wildfire threatening the region. 

County Regional Fire Service has completed structural protection for properties at risk within the County of Grande Prairie. With the expected increase in fire behaviour, the County has increased staffing, staged aerial and heavy equipment, and is supporting the BC Wildfire Service and Alberta Wildfire as the lead agencies responding to the wildfire.    

Evacuees can report to the GPREP Reception Centre at the Hythe Community Library at 10013, 100 Street until 11:59 p.m., reopening at 9:00 a.m. in the morning. Reception staff will assign accommodations for either hotel lodging or camping at Hythe Municipal Campground.  

County residents who have not registered their livestock with the County’s Livestock Emergency Response Plan (LERP) should call 780-532-9727.   

The Northwestern Alberta Foundation has activated its online donations page to accept monetary contributions in support of communities impacted by the wildfire within its service area. You can donate here: https://cfna.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1465 

Alberta Evacuee Resources: 

  • GPREP Call Centre: 780-830-5002 
  • GPREP Evacuee Support Guide:https://www.gprep.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/GPREP-Evacuee-Suppot-Guide-2025-1.pdf 

 

Where to find fire updates:  

The next update will be provided as new information is available. 

 

About GPREP 

The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) brings together the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley to coordinate resources, training, and response strategies for large-scale emergencies. GPREP enhances public safety, strengthens community resilience, and delivers timely crisis information. Learn more at www.GPREP.ca and follow us on www.Facebook.com/GPREPalerts, and Twitter [X] www.x.com/gprepalerts. 

 

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Media contact: 
Information Officer,
GPREP,
587-771-0825,
 IOF@gprep.ca 

Update #11: County issues Evacuation Order and Expands Evacuation Alert Area

Date: June 5, 2025

Update #11: County issues Evacuation Order and Expands Evacuation Alert Area 

Thursday, June 5, 2025,12:00 p.m. – The County of Grande Prairie has issued an Evacuation Order. The Evacuation Order is in effect for everyone located north of Township Road 710 to 740, east of the British Columbia/Alberta border to Range Road 130. 

Evacuate immediately and report to the reception centre at the Hythe Community Library at 10013, 100 Street. Reception staff will assign accommodations—either hotel lodging or camping at Hythe Municipal Campground. Bring important documents, medication, medical devices, and prepare to be away from your home for 7 days. If you need help evacuating, call 780-830-5002.   

The evacuation alert has expanded east along Township Road 710, from Range Road 130 to 124 and has expanded north along British Columbia/Alberta border to Township Road 750 until Highway 43. 

The BC Wildfire Service reports that the Kiskatinaw River wildfire is currently about 2kilometres from the Alberta border. Southwesterly winds with gusts reaching up to 60 km/h will intensify the fire behaviour, creating challenging conditions for crews. On Friday, a developing weather system will bring gusts up to 70 km/h leading to aggressive and extreme fire conditions which will challenge resources. 

County Regional Fire Service is completing the remaining structural protection for properties at risk within the County of Grande Prairie. With the expected increase in fire behaviour, the County has increased staffing, staged aerial and heavy equipment, and is supporting the BC Wildfire Service and Alberta Wildfire as the lead agencies responding to the wildfire.   

County residents who have not registered their livestock with the County’s Livestock Emergency Response Plan (LERP) should call 780-532-9727.   

Stay clear of the area and allow crews to conduct their work. Staffed checkpoints are in place with barricades and are observing the evacuation area.   

Alberta Evacuee Resources: 

  • GPREP Reception Centre: 780-830-5002 

Where to find fire updates:  

The next update will be provided as new information is available. 

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Media contact: 

Information Officer  
Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) 
IOF@gprepeoc.com

Update #8, Final Update: Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire Classified as Under Control, GPREP Deactivated 

Date: May 6, 2025

Update #8, Final Update: Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire Classified as Under Control, GPREP Deactivated

Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 3:30 p.m. – Effective 3:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire is being classified as under control. The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) has been deactivated. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.

County Regional Fire Service crews will continue to monitor the area. Ongoing smoke may be visible from hot spots located in the middle of the wildfire zone that cannot be accessed due to difficult terrain. Residents should call 911 if they see any open flame. 

Crews from the MD of Smoky River and Northern Sunrise County have been released from the site. 

ATCO will continue to conduct infrastructure repairs in the area over the coming days. 

A fire ban remains in effect for the entire County of Grande Prairie and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley. Residents are urged to adhere to the fire ban which was issued due to dry conditions and recent wildfire activity in the region. The current fire hazard is extreme.

Copies of the Re-entry Plan for the Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire were distributed to affected residents – the plan can also be found online under the Resources section at www.gprep.ca. The call centre line, 780-830-5002, will remain in operation from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Calls will be directed to voicemail after 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9 and will be monitored and responded to by County staff as messages come in. 

This is the final update regarding the Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire. All updates issued during the emergency are available at www.gprep.ca and on the @GPREPalerts Facebook and X social media channels.

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Media contact: 

Information Officer  
Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) 
Info@gprepeoc.com

Update #7: Fire Crews Remain on Scene of Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire

Date: May 6, 2025

Update #6: Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire Classified as Being Held, Evacuees Returning Home this Evening 

Date: May 5, 2025

Monday, May 5, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – County Regional Fire Service is pleased to report that the wildfire is classified as being held due to the availability of air tankers and swift and ongoing ground fire crew response. Evacuees are permitted to return to their homes as of 7:00 p.m. this evening, Monday, May 5, 2025.  

The evacuation order is lifted for everyone in the area within the County of Grande Prairie, as outlined in the attached map: 

  • Sunrise Estates and Sunrise Estates 2 subdivisions 
  • Core 40 Industrial Park 
  • All rural properties within the evacuation order perimeter, defined as everyone south of Township Road 710 to 27 Avenue (within Sunrise Estates), and east of Range Road 64 to Highway 40 in the County of Grande Prairie. 

Fire crews will remain on site throughout the night and will be operating a thermal imaging drone to detect and respond to any hot spots.  

Evacuees will be provided with a return-home package at the Pomeroy Hotel prior to returning home this evening, including to expect to see red fire retardant on their properties due to air tanker drops which were necessary to protect homes and businesses from the wildfire.  

Additional information will be made available in the coming days regarding the process to follow for fire retardant-affected properties. 

Any evacuees who wish to remain in their hotel for tonight may do so, at no cost. Evacuees are also welcome to return home briefly to view their properties and then return to their hotel for the night, if they choose. 

ATCO equipment and trucks will be conducting infrastructure repairs in the evacuation area over the coming days.  

A fire ban remains in effect for the entire County of Grande Prairie and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley. 

A call centre line has been established for evacuees – 780-830-5002. The call centre hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. An Evacuee Support Guide and an Evacuee Newsletter is available at www.gprep.ca.  

Any additional updates on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 will be posted at www.gprep.ca and on the @GPREPalerts Facebook and X social media channels.  

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Media contact:  

Information Officer 
Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP)
Info@gprepeoc.com 

 


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