Update: 8:30 May 6, 2025::
County Regional Fire Service crews remained on scene of the Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire overnight last night and into today, scanning the area with a thermal imaging drone and actioning hotspots. The wildfire continues to be classified as being held.
Fire crews were able to establish a good perimeter; there should be no opportunity for the fire to pick up and begin moving. Smoke will continue to be visible from hotspots located in the middle of the wildfire zone that cannot be accessed due to difficult terrain. Residents should call 911 if they see any open flame.
Evacuees were permitted to return home at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening.
Resources from Peace River were released last night. Crews from the MD of Smoky River and the MD of Northern Sunrise County remain on site, providing assistance to County crews.
Today’s weather conditions are not favourable for fire behaviour given higher temperatures and expected windy conditions. There is no precipitation in the forecast.
Residents were provided with the Re-entry Plan for the Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire last evening – the plan can also be found by visiting the Resources section at www.gprep.ca. The plan includes directions for addressing the red fire retardant dropped by air tankers on properties. This action was necessary as part of the wildfire response.
ATCO equipment and trucks remain in the area as staff continue to conduct infrastructure repairs.
A fire ban remains in effect for the entire County of Grande Prairie and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.
A call centre line has been established for evacuees – 780-830-5002. The call centre hours have returned to regular operational hours, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
All updates are available at www.gprep.ca and on the @GPREPalerts Facebook and X social media channels.
UPDATE: 5:30 PM MAY 5,2025:
County Regional Fire Service is pleased to report that the wildfire is classified as being held due to the availability of air tankers and swift and ongoing ground fire crew response. Evacuees are permitted to return to their homes as of 7:00 p.m. this evening, Monday, May 5, 2025.
The evacuation order is lifted for everyone in the area within the County of Grande Prairie, as outlined in the attached map:
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Sunrise Estates and Sunrise Estates 2 subdivisions
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Core 40 Industrial Park
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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.
Fire crews will remain on site throughout the night and will be operating a thermal imaging drone to detect and respond to any hot spots.
Evacuees will be provided with a return-home package at the Pomeroy Hotel prior to returning home this evening, including to expect to see red fire retardant on their properties due to air tanker drops which were necessary to protect homes and businesses from the wildfire.
Additional information will be made available in the coming days regarding the process to follow for fire retardant-affected properties.
Any evacuees who wish to remain in their hotel for tonight may do so, at no cost. Evacuees are also welcome to return home briefly to view their properties and then return to their hotel for the night, if they choose.
ATCO equipment and trucks will be conducting infrastructure repairs in the evacuation area over the coming days.
A fire ban remains in effect for the entire County of Grande Prairie and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.
A call centre line has been established for evacuees – 780-830-5002. The call centre hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. An Evacuee Support Guide and an Evacuee Newsletter is available at www.gprep.ca.
Any additional updates on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 will be posted at www.gprep.ca and on the @GPREPalerts Facebook and X social media channels.
UPDATE:12 pm May 5 2025:
County Regional Fire Service and Alberta Wildfire crews continue suppression efforts in the affected area. The fire is still approximately 90 per cent contained. There have been no homes or structures destroyed, including no outbuildings or sheds. County Regional Fire crews are now optimistic that the fire may be classified as being held later today. The County Fire Prevention Officer is working with Alberta Wildfire to investigate the cause of the fire.
Two Alberta Wildfire helicopters are conducting bucketing operations in the area supported by approximately 60 ground crew members who are extinguishing hot spots. County Regional Enforcement Services remain on site, assisting with road check stops and helping manage any animals left behind. No temporary access permits will be granted at this time for evacuees.
The County Agriculture Department remains on standby with the Livestock Emergency Response Plan (LERP); however, no large animal rescues have been required at this time. Residents with domestic livestock are encouraged to register their animals at www.countygp.ab.ca/lerp.
The affected area includes a mix of agricultural land, forested terrain, Crown land, and grassland.
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 use of personal drone equipment is strictly prohibited as it will hinder air response from Alberta Wildfire and may result in fines.
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 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre, 11633 100 Street, Grande Prairie. Approximately 100 evacuees have been registered. 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 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. An Evacuee Support Guide and an Evacuee Newsletter is available at www.gprep.ca. The newsletter has been distributed to host hotels.
The next update will be provided at 4:00 p.m., and all updates will be posted at www.gprep.ca and on the @GPREPalerts Facebook and X social media channels.
UPDATE:
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 at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre, 11633 100 Street, Grande Prairie. Approximately 100 evacuees have been registered. 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 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The use of personal drone equipment is strictly prohibited as it will be hinder air response from Alberta Wildfire and may result in fines.
Additional updates will be posted at www.gprep.ca and on the @GPREPalerts Facebook and X social media channels.
County Regional Fire Service and Alberta Wildfire have made significant progress in containing the fire using air tankers and a dozer guard in the Deer Ridge Estates Wildfire.
No homes have been destroyed, and crews continued working overnight with support from an Alberta Wildfire night vision helicopter.
The evacuation order remains in effect for Sunrise Estates, Sunrise Estates 2, Core 40 Industrial Park, and surrounding rural properties.
Personal drone use is prohibited to avoid hindering air response.
A reception centre is open at Pomeroy Hotel, and evacuees can call 780-830-5002 for assistance.
Updates are available at www.gprep.ca and @GPREPalerts on social media.