FAQ

FAQ: Kiskatinaw River Wildfire Update to Evacuees 

For further assistance and the latest updates, visit gprep.ca and follow us on social media: @GPREPalerts on Facebook and X.

1: Where is the reception centre located for evacuees?

Hythe Community Library at 10013, 100 Street. Reception staff will assign accommodations—either hotel lodging or camping at Hythe Municipal Campground. Bring important documents, medication, medical devices, and prepare to be away from your home for 7 days.

2. What is the Reception Centre’s hours?

The Reception Centre is open:

• June 5, 2025 – until midnight
• June 6, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• June 7, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

3: Who do I call if I need help evacuating or have questions related to the Kiskatinaw Wildfire?

A call centre line has been established for evacuees – 780-830-5002.

The current call centre hours of operation are:

• June 5, 2025 – until midnight
• June 6, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• June 7, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Please be advised that these hours are subject to change.

An Evacuee Support Guide and an Evacuee Newsletter is available at www.gprep.ca. The newsletter is being distributed to host hotels. 

4. Temporary Access

• If you require temporary access to your residence, please visit https://rng.me/tap to request a permit.  

• When submitting your request, you must clearly state the reason for access. Access is limited to essential needs only.  

• Individuals receiving temporary access will be granted permission based on safety conditions and the availability of an operational window. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Those on the list should be prepared to act quickly when notified of a safe opportunity. Approved applicants will be contacted by a call centre representative when the access window has been authorized.  

Temporary access permits will only be granted for essential purposes, including medication, livelihood, and livestock. 

Examples may include but are not limited to: 

1. Feeding livestock 

1. Retrieving essential medication 

1. Critical dependants support 

Extraordinary circumstances will be reviewed on a one-on-one basis. 

*Access is not guaranteed. Permits are only granted during favorable conditions. Access may be revoked at any time if conditions get worse. By accessing, you fully accept all associated risks and responsibilities, agree not to interfere with emergency personnel or equipment, and acknowledge that any deviation from the permitted tasks may result in charges under the Emergency Management Act. Neither GPREP nor its partner agencies will be held liable for any loss, injury, or damage incurred during re-entry. 

4. Is Highway 43 open?

For road reports go to: 511.

GPREP is funded by the five municipalities in the partnership. The City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, Towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.  The level of contribution per year is based on the size of the municipality.

• For police, ambulance, or fire department: 9-1-1.
• For power outages or electrical emergencies, call ATCO Electric: 1-800-668-5506 (24 hrs).
• For gas line related emergencies or if you smell gas (often described as a “rotten egg” smell), call ATCO Gas: 1-800-511-3447.
• For waterline and sewer-related maintenance, breaks or other emergencies, call Aquatera (only for City of Grande Prairie, Sexsmith, and parts of Clairmont): 780-882-7800 (24 hrs).
• For wildlife related emergencies, call Alberta Fish and Wildlife: 1-800-642-3800 (24 hrs).
• To report a wildfire call Alberta Wildfire: 310-3474 (24 hrs).

A comprehensive list of other emergency phone numbers in Alberta can be found at: https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-numbers.aspx

We will do our best to keep you informed about what we are doing to support you while you are here.

We will also work with your home jurisdiction to obtain information about how to access updates on the status of the emergency affecting your home community.

Information about Re-Entry and Recovery Planning will be prepared by your home community but will not be available until your safety can be assured. Please be patient while they address the emergency and these plans are developed.

We will work with hotels and campgrounds to post this information at the facility where you are staying, and it will be posted on our website https://www.gprep.ca/  .

You can also follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GPREPalerts/ , and X (Twitter) https://x.com/GPREPAlerts,

If you have further questions, you can visit the Reception Centre during the hours of operation (hours will vary based on operational needs and the traffic volume) or call the GPREP Call Centre 780-830-7070 open weekdays 8:30 – 4:30.  (hours are subject to change during the emergency).

GPREP is activated when a large-scale emergency or disaster in the region has the potential to occur, or is occurring. The decision to activate is based on the emergency and its magnitude.

Designated first responders can “activate” GPREP, including RCMP and fire departments, and municipal officials.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) is an emergency response program that provides for the various short-term needs of evacuees during a large scale emergency or disaster. These services are to preserve the emotional and physical well-being of evacuees.

GPREP, or the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership is a collaboration between five communities to coordinate and plan the emergency response and resources during large-scale emergencies and disasters. We focus on preparing for and responding to disasters.

The five municipalities that make up GPREP are: The City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, Towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.

Once GPREP is activated various responders and staff come together in the emergency coordination centre.  The emergency coordination centre supports the first responders, obtains required resources, manages information and looks at the needs of the entire community/region.

If additional help is required to respond to a disaster, GPREP can call other municipalities for assistance and/or the Province of Alberta. GPREP has mutual aid agreements with other municipalities and regions outlining how we will help each other in the event of an emergency. The Province has specific processes for GPREP to follow if we need additional help.

If you are asked to evacuate, please follow the instructions from emergency personnel. GPREP will not ask you to prepare to leave your home unless there is reason to believe that you are in danger.

Evacuation Alert – an evacuation alert informs the community of the potential need to evacuate. Plan to evacuate with enough items to keep your family comfortable for a minimum of 72 hours. Turn the radio on and listen for updates.

Evacuation Order – evacuate your home when you advised to do so by local emergency authorities. Follow the evacuation routes specified by officials and drive carefully with headlights on.  Ignoring an evacuation order can jeopardize the safety of your family and others who might eventually have to come to your rescue. Do not return to your property until permitted to do so by authorities.

Please refer to the Government of Alberta Emergency Fact Sheet, for further information on evacuation alerts, evacuations orders, what to make sure you take and how to protect your home.

The public is notified of an emergency or disaster in a number of ways, such as:

• Through local news/media reporting on TV or Radio
• Municipal web and social media sites
  • City of Grande Prairie Facebook
  • County of Grande Prairie Facebook
• Alerts by cell phones or apps:
  • Alert Ready – This warning system will help you stay informed and safe during an emergency or disaster. Alert Ready sends critical alerts through TV, cable, satellite and radio but also through most cellular phones. Visit alertready.ca for more information.
  • Alberta Emergency Alerts are issued to warn people about potential risks to their health and safety. The Alberta Emergency Alert app is available for both Apple and Android phones and tablets. Visit emergencyalert.alberta.ca for more information.

In the event of an emergency, first responders may be busy assisting those in immediate danger. It is recommended that you have an emergency kit that holds supplies to support you and your family for 3 days in an emergency situation.

Visit the Alberta Government’s website for information of how to prepare an emergency kit.

1: I have a family member that lives in Margaret Edgson Manor. How do I know if they are ok?

If you have not been able to contact a family member that resides in Margaret Edgson Manor, contact the Grande Spirit Foundation at 780-532-3276 extension: 0.

 2: For all inquiries regarding the Margaret Edgson Manor fire contact the property manager, Grande Spirit Foundation.

Phone number: 780-532-3276 extension: 0

Email: family@grandespirit.org