News — Page 6 of 6 — GPREP - Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership

Media Release: Update #10 May 13, 2024, 9:00 am

 Teepee Creek Fire 

Alberta Wildfire was flying their night vision helicopter that was working throughout the night Sunday, May 12 from approximately 9:00p.m. to 3:00a.m. Monday, May 13 on the Teepee Creek wildfire. Wildfire crew, municipal fire fighters and heavy equipment also worked throughout the night where hot spots were identified and monitored. There is no new growth of the fire and a 100ft wet line is being established to reenforce the fire guard.

Crews continue working and have made good progress, completing 100 per cent of the fire guard.

Structural protection continues on the three homes and two cabins in the area with mop up starting. No structures have been damaged or lost.

Weather was cooperative throughout the night and fire behaviour has been favourable. Air support will continue this morning and throughout the day to support firefighting efforts.

The evacuation order remains in effect and is being actively enforced. RCMP are monitoring access to the evacuation zone. In addition to RCMP and Regional 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 between the hours of 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

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 

GWF029 wildfire started 13 km northwest of the town of Valhalla. The wildfire is now listed as being held at 100 hectares. Today was a good firefighting day for Alberta Wildfire and their crews were able to completely secure the perimeter and are now working to extinguish the fire. There are 26 firefighters working with pump and hose, hand tools and a helicopter bucketing hotspots within the perimeter boundaries.

Alberta Wildfire is the lead authority on the wildfire, and they will provide updates as the situation changes.

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 1pm on Monday, May 13, unless an emergency update is required.

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Media Contact:

County of Grande Prairie Communications

communications@countygp.ab.ca

Media Release: Update #9 May 12, 2024, 9:00 pm 

Teepee Creek Fire
Be aware, Alberta Wildfire will be flying a night vision helicopter working throughout the night until the night from approximately 9:00p.m. to 3:00a.m. on the Teepee Creek wildfire, along with a wildfire crew, municipal fire fighters and heavy equipment to secure the perimeter on priority hotspots. A reminder that flying drones near wildfires endangers firefighters and may cause firefighting operations to stop. Please respect the law and give crews the space to work safely.  

Crews continue working and have made good progress, completing 90 per cent of the fire guard around the perimeter. 

Additional crews and equipment continue to support wildfire operations from 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 today to the north and west of the fire.  Weather has been cooperative today and fire behaviour has been favourable. Air tankers and helicopters were mobilized this morning and throughout the day to support firefighting efforts. No structures have been lost. Fire suppression is being provided to 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 Regional 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 between the hours of 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. 

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 

GWF029 wildfire started 13 km northwest of the town of Valhalla. The wildfire is now listed as being held at 100 hectares. Today was a good firefighting day for Alberta Wildfire and their crews were able to completely secure the perimeter and are now working to extinguish the fire. There are 26 firefighters working with pump and hose, hand tools and a helicopter bucketing hotspots within the perimeter boundaries. 

Alberta Wildfire is the lead authority on the wildfire, and they will provide updates as the situation changes. 

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 9am on Monday, May 13, unless an emergency update is required. 

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

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

communications@countygp.ab.ca

Teepee Creek Wildfire  

Crews have completed the south side fire guard, and today, a specialized heavy equipment group capable of a 24-hour operational period arrived. Work will continue throughout the night to complete the north side fire guard. 70% of the fire guard has been completed. The fire is classified as out of control at 1,382 hectares. Structural protection continues on the three homes and two cabins in the area. No structures have been damaged. Due to heavy smoke, air support was grounded today. 

County of Grande Prairie and Alberta Wildfire crews continue to respond with heavy equipment. Fire behaviour is expected to be active with winds shifting out of the west to the east tomorrow morning. 

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.  

All evacuees must register at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre located at 11633 100 St, Grande Prairie. Bring pets, important documents, medication, medical devices, food and water to be prepared to be away from your home for 7 days. 

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 

An evacuation alert means be prepared to evacuate. No evacuation is required at this time for these areas.  

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 www.facebook.com/cogp1 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 9:00am on Sunday May 13 unless an emergency update is required. 

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Media Contact:  

County of Grande Prairie Communications 

Communications@countygp.ab.ca 

County of Grande Prairie Wildfire Evacuee Information

For evacuees of the County of Grande Prairie wildfire seeking accommodations, please proceed to the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre at 11633 100th Street, Grande Prairie. It is essential to bring identification with proof of address to confirm that your residence is within the evacuation zone.

Update #5 May 11, 2024, 1:00pm 

Teepee Creek Wildfire  

Crews continue to work to establish a perimeter on the wildfire 4 kilometers east of Teepee Creek. The fire is classified as out of control at 1,382 hectares. Structural protection is being done on three homes and are working on other assets in the area. No structures have been damaged.  

County of Grande Prairie and Alberta Wildfire crews are responding with heavy equipment and ground crews are building fire guards. Fire behaviour is expected to be active but spread rates will be significantly lessened due to the lack of winds. Today crews and heavy equipment will be on the ground to limit spread of the north and south flank. 

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.  

All evacuees must register at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre located at 11633 100 St, Grande Prairie. Bring pets, important documents, medication, medical devices, food and water to be prepared to be away from your home for 7 days. 

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 

An evacuation alert means be prepared to evacuate. No evacuation is required at this time for these areas.  

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 kilometers northwest of the town of Valhalla. GWF029 is still classified as out of control at 90 hectares.  Heavy equipment has been released, meaning the perimeter guard is complete.  

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, funneling 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 furnace, 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 www.facebook.com/cogp1 and www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for ongoing situation updates. 

The next update will be provided at 21:00 unless an emergency update is required. 

-30- 

Media Contact: 
County of Grande Prairie Communications
Communications@countygp.ab.ca 

Update #4 May 11, 2024, 9:00am

Teepee Creek Wildfire 

Progress has been made overnight on the wildfire 4 kilometers east of Teepee Creek with fire crews working throughout the night on containment. The fire is classified as out of control at 900 hectares. Crews have established a perimeter on approximately 40 percent of the fire in the County and have completed structural protection on three homes in the area. No structures have been damaged.

County of Grande Prairie and Alberta wildfire crews are responding with helicopters bucketing and heavy equipment building fire guards. Fire behaviour is expected to be active but spread rates will be significantly lessen due to the lack of winds. Today crews and heavy equipment will be on the ground to limit spread of the north and south flank.

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.

All evacuees must register at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre located at 11633 100 St, Grande Prairie. Bring pets, important documents, medication, medical devices, food and water to be prepared to be away from your home for 7 days.

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

An evacuation alert means be prepared to evacuate. No evacuation is required at this time for these areas.

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 an out-of-control wildfire 13 kilometers northwest of the town of Valhalla . GWF029 is currently classified as out of control at 90 hectares.   Today crews and heavy equipment will be on the ground suppressing surface fire and holding the current perimeter while windy conditions are diminished. 

Smoke Conditions

The smoke that the Grande Prairie region is experiencing is from the Fort Nelson wildfire; it’s the result of an inversion, funneling 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 furnace, 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 www.facebook.com/cogp1 and www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for ongoing situation updates.

The next update will be provided at 13:00 unless an emergency update is required.

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Media Contact: 

County of Grande Prairie Communications

Communications@countygp.ab.ca

Be prepared. Know your risk.

Prepared individuals reduce pressure and demand on local and provincial resources, allowing emergency responders to focus on supporting the most vulnerable and high-risk community members as well as getting the situation under control. This focus is critical to reducing economic disruptions, helping people return to their lives and work sooner. The 2023 Survey of Albertans shows 25% of those surveyed have a household emergency plan and even less are aware of the emergency plans at their loved one’s facilities, such as their child’s school or a parent’s care home. Disasters cause confusion and distress; an emergency plan can help.

The following links can help you make a plan:

• Make an emergency plan – planning considerations and resources.
• Get Prepared: Make an emergency plan – online planning tool.
• Pet Preparedness – to help keep pets safe, before, during and after an emergency.
• Farm animals and livestock – to help keep farm animals and livestock safe when sheltering or evacuating.