Media Release: Update # 8 May 12, 2024, 2:00 pm

Date: May 12, 2024

TeePee Creek Fire

Crews continue working and have made good progress, completing 80 per cent of the fire guard around the perimeter.

Additional crews and equipment have arrived to support wildfire operations from Alberta Wildfire, Municipal District of Greenview, City of Grande Prairie, Municipal District of Smoky River, Big Lakes County, Town of Slave Lake, Alberta Wildfire crews and aircraft.

Twenty pieces of heavy equipment, four helicopters and approximately 80 fire fighters are working on the fire near TeePee Creek.

In addition, eight fire engines, three fire tenders, seven commercial water trucks, two structural protection units and two command vehicles from municipal and mutual aid resources are working on the fire.

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. Air tankers and helicopters have been mobilized this morning to support fire fighting efforts. No structures have been lost. Fire suppression is being provided homes near the fire.

The evacuation order remains in effect and is being actively enforced. RCMP are monitoring access to the evacuation zone and additional officers are on site today. In addition to RCMP and Bylaw Enforcement,Technical Search and Rescue are assisting with access control.

No access is allowed to the evacuation zone without a permit. The evacuation zone remains the same as communicated in previous updates. Individuals who require access to the evacuation zone must contact the call centre at 1-825-606-5166 to obtain a permit or register as evacuees.

The following area remains under an evacuation order:

  • Kleskun Creek North to Township Road 742. Evacuation order is also in effect for the Riverstone Golf Course.

The following areas remain 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 9pm on Sunday, May 12, unless an emergency update is required.

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Media Contact: 

County of Grande Prairie Communications

communications@countygp.ab.ca