Here are the latest updates from the MD of Peace River regarding the wildfire (PMD003) burning southwest of Peace River.
The fire is located approximately 20 kilometres southwest of the Town of Peace River and approximately seven kilometres southeast of Grimshaw, towards the river.
As of 9:45 a.m. on April 24, ground crews, aircraft and heavy equipment remain on scene, continuing their work to protect people, communities and the environment.
The wildfire is estimated to be 1500 hectares.
UPDATE
April 23, 2024 10:50 pm
The fire along Shaftesbury Trail has grown to approximately 4.5 square miles and remains out of control. Firefighters and emergency personnel are on scene fighting the fire and protecting properties.
The following evacuation order and evacuation alert remain in effect:
Evacuation Order
The area of the MD that is south of Township Road 830 and north – north-east of highway 684 and south to the Peace River is under an evacuation order.
Evacuation Alert
The area east of Range Road 240 to Range Road 224 and from Township Road 832 in the north to the Peace River is under an evacuation alert. This does not include the Town of Grimshaw.
A Reception Centre is in place at the Grimshaw Legion located at 5011-49 avenue, and it is required for evacuees to register in person or by calling the MD office at 780-338-3845. The Reception Centre will reopen Wednesday morning at 8 am.
UPDATE
April 23, 2024 7:00 pm
The area of the MD that is south of Township Road 830 and north – north-east of highway 684 and south to the Peace River is under an evacuation order. The area east of Range Road 240 to Range Road 224 and from Township Road 832 in the north to the Peace River is under an evacuation alert. This does not include the Town of Grimshaw.
———
UPDATE
April 23, 2024 6:30 pm
Important Notice for Shaftesbury Fire Evacuees: Attention all evacuees, it is mandatory to check in at our Emergency Reception Centre either in person or by calling 780-338-3845. The Reception Centre is located at the Grimshaw Legion, 5011-49 Avenue. Please be aware that the reception centre closes at 9:00 pm however evacuees can register by phone after 9 pm.
———
UPDATE
April 23, 2024 4:55 pm
An Evacuation Order is currently in place for all residents within a 5-kilometre radius surrounding Township 830 and Range Road 231 and north of the Correctional Centre on Shaftesbury Trail. The RCMP are on location and coordinating evacuation efforts. A Reception Center for evacuees is in place at the Grimshaw Legion located at 5011 49 avenue in Grimshaw. The fire is now 250 hectares in size and is moving northwest. Further updates will be provided on our website, social media and our emergency texting service.
———-
UPDATE
April 23, 2024 3:10 pm
The MD of Peace 135 has declared a Local State of Emergency
Residents along Shaftesbury Trail within a 5-kilometre radius surrounding Township 830 and range road 231 are asked to be prepared to evacuate within 30 minutes if required. The RCMP are on location and are coordinating evacuation efforts. The fire is located along Shaftesbury Trail by Mackenzie Cairn and is currently moving north while also spreading to the west. Due to the unpredictable nature of the fire, we ask residents to stay alert and vigilant. Follow our Facebook page and website for updates.
-------
Shortly after 3pm Tuesday afternoon, the MD of Peace 135 declared a State of Emergency.
A wildfire alert is in effect for a 5-kilometer radius surrounding Township 830 and range road 231 in the MD of Peace.
The fire is located along Shaftesbury Trail by Mackenzie Cairn and is currently moving north while also spreading to the west.
Residents along Shaftesbury Trail have been placed on a 30-minute evacuation notice and are therefore being asked to evacuate within 30 minutes if required. The RCMP are on location and are coordinating evacuation efforts.
Due to the unpredictable nature of the fire, they ask residents to stay alert and vigilant.
Be prepared to evacuate within 30 minutes. Gather pets, important documents and medication and enough food, water and supplies for at least 3 days.
The alert will be updated if an evacuation is required. Stay tuned to http://Alberta.ca/emergencyalerts and http://mdpeace.com for updates.
Information provided by Alberta Wildfire
- In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, ReachFM.ca encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the Reach FM app at https://www.reachfm.ca/app