Evacuee Information Newsletter – Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire

Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire 

Evacuee Information Newsletter

Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 

Time: 11:30am

Latest updates on the emergency 

• Current status:  

County Regional Fire Service and Alberta Wildfire continue their work to contain the wildfire which is now approximately 90 per cent contained. Today, ground fire crews and the Alberta Wildfire bucketing helicopter will focus on extinguishing hotspots. No homes or structures, such as outbuildings and sheds, were destroyed by the fire. 

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 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 9:00am to 5:00pm at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre, 11633 100 Street, Grande Prairie. 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 am to 8:00 pm. 

• Safety reminders: Stay away from restricted areas until further notice.   

Services and support available 

Reception Centre: 

• Location: Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre, 11633 100 Street, Grande Prairie 

• Services include: Registration, accommodations and meals 

• Hours of operation: 9:00am – 5:00pm 

Meals: 

• Breakfast:  
  • Holiday Inn Express – 5:30 – 9:30am 
  • Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre – 6:30 – 9:30am 

• Lunch:  
  • Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre – 11:0am – 1:30pm 

• Dinner:  
  • Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre – 5:00 – 7:30pm 

Accommodation: 

• Temporary accommodations available at designated hotels and shelters. For updates on length of stay or other questions, visit the Reception Centre. 

Pet care: 

• Some resources for pet care are available. Please inform staff during registration if assistance is needed. 

Important resources 

• Emergency Information Line: Call centre – 780-830-5002. 

• Mental Health Support: Call or text 9-8-8 (available 24/7). 

• Health Link: Dial 811 for nurse advice (24/7). 

• GPREP Website: Visit www.gprep.ca for up-to-date information. @GPREPalerts on Facebook and X. 

Other important resources:

• Evacuee Support Guide
• Evacuees FAQ – Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire
• Re-Entry Plan for Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire

What you need to know today 

• Updates will be provided during meals and posted in hotel lobbies. 

• Please register at the reception centre if you haven’t already, even if you have private accommodations. 

• Keep your wristband with you for access to all services. If you have not received a wristband, please inquire at the reception centre between 9:00am – 5:00pm. 

How to stay updated 

FAQs for evacuees are provided on the GPREP website. They are updated as new information becomes available. Bookmark GPREP’s website at http://www.GPREP.ca/ and follow us on Facebook and X at @GPREPalerts 

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 http://wwwGPREP.ca and follow us at @GPREPalerts on Facebook and X