Media Release: Update # 7 May 12, 2024, 9:00 am
Tee Pee Creek Fire
Crews were working over night and have made good progress, completing 80 per cent of the fire guard around the perimeter. The fire remains out of control at an estimated 1,382 hectares.
There was limited fire growth yesterday to the north and west of the fire. Containment is good, additional resources and heavy equipment are on scene from Alberta Wildfire. High winds are forecasted later today. Depending on conditions, air tankers will be mobilized this morning to support fire fighting efforts.
The evacuation order remains in effect and is being actively enforced. RCMP are monitoring access to the evacuation zone and additional officers will be on site today. No access is allowed to the evacuation zone without permit. The evacuation zone remains the same as communicated in previous updates.
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.
The following area has been ordered to evacuate:
- Kleskun Creek North to Township Road 742. Evacuation order is also in effect for the Riverstone Golf Course.
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
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
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 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 1:00pm on Sunday, May 12, unless an emergency update is required.
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Media Contact:
County of Grande Prairie Communications
