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