Update #5: Progress continues in Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire

Date: May 5, 2025
Location: Active Emergencies

Monday, May 5, 2025, 11:52 a.m. – County Regional Fire Service and Alberta Wildfire crews continue suppression efforts in the affected area. The fire is still approximately 90 per cent contained. There have been no homes or structures destroyed, including no outbuildings or sheds. County Regional Fire crews are now optimistic that the fire may be classified as being held later today. The County Fire Prevention Officer is working with Alberta Wildfire to investigate the cause of the fire.

Two Alberta Wildfire helicopters are conducting bucketing operations in the area supported by approximately 60 ground crew members who are extinguishing hot spots. County Regional Enforcement Services remain on site, assisting with road check stops and helping manage any animals left behind. No temporary access permits will be granted at this time for evacuees.

The County Agriculture Department remains on standby with the Livestock Emergency Response Plan (LERP); however, no large animal rescues have been required at this time. Residents with domestic livestock are encouraged to register their animals at www.countygp.ab.ca/lerp.

The affected area includes a mix of agricultural land, forested terrain, Crown land, and grassland.

Today’s relative humidity will create crossover conditions and may challenge the progress made on Sunday. There is no chance of precipitation today.

A fire ban was issued for the entire County of Grande Prairie and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley at 8:00 a.m. this morning.

The use of personal drone equipment is strictly prohibited as it will hinder air response from Alberta Wildfire and may result in fines.

The evacuation order remains in effect for an 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.

A reception centre remains open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre, 11633 100 Street, Grande Prairie. Approximately 100 evacuees have been registered. A call centre line has been established for evacuees and can be reached at 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. The newsletter has been distributed to host hotels.

The next update will be provided at 4:00 p.m., and all updates 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