EdmontonNewsOut-of-control wildfire close to city limits of Grande Prairie, Alta.By Craig EllingsonUpdated: May 04, 2025 at 9:23PM EDT Twitter feed ©2025 BellMedia All Rights Reserved You will also start receiving the Star's free morning newsletter A shoulder patch of the Alberta Wildfire service is pictured in Fort McMurray GRANDE PRAIRIE - An evacuation order remains in effect for an area near a northern Alberta city but officials say the wildfire that prompted it is about 90 per cent contained Emergency officials in the Grande Prairie region say crews are optimistic the fire southwest of the city could soon be classified as being held meaning it won’t be expected to grow beyond its boundaries An Alberta Emergency Alert was issued on Sunday ordering people in part of the county of Grande Prairie to evacuate Officials say about 100 evacuees have been registered The fire is about one square kilometre in size About 60 firefighters are extinguishing hot spots while two helicopters are conducting bucketing operations This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5 Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account – Fire crews continue to work with Alberta Wildfire mutual aid resources and resources from northwestern Alberta The evacuation order in effect is for and area within the County of Grande Prairie that includes the subdivisions of Sunrise Estates along with all rural properties within the evacuation order perimeter everyone south of Township Road 710 to 27 Avenue and East of Range Road 64 to Highway 40 in the County of Grande Prairie Please note that RCMP may have initially evacuated additional homes as a precautionary measure prior to the official evacuation order being issued Crews will continue to work overnight and will be supported by an Alberta Wildfire night vision helicopter and ground crews Please expect noise throughout the night due to ongoing air operations A reception centre remains open at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre 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 An evacuation has been ordered on the outskirts of a northern Alberta city due to a wildfire The County of Grande Prairie says in a statement that crews are evacuating homes within proximity of a fire southwest of the City of Grande Prairie It said late Sunday afternoon that the fire was past a lake located north of Deer Ridge Estates and that people are being ordered to leave the semi-rural neighbourhood as a precaution An Alberta Emergency Alert has been issued ordering people to evacuate immediately and to gather important documents medication and medical devices and go to the Pomeroy Hotel in Grande Prairie heavy equipment and airtankers are on-scene working to contain the spread of the wildfire It says the fire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area remains very high at this time The County of Grande Prairie is committed to accessibility programs and facilities in order to create a barrier-free community Regular HoursOur office is open:Monday to Friday8:30 a.m area structure plans and consultation opportunities Read the media release on the GPREP website.  By GHD Digital Regular Hours Our office is open: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m Edmonton WatchWildfire burning close to Grande PrairieCTV Edmonton's Nicole Lampa has the latest on a wildfire burning near Grande Prairie. WatchOut-of-control wildfire forcing evacuations near Grande Prairie, AlbertaSo far, no homes have been destroyed by an out-of-control wildfire near Grande Prairie, Alberta. May 4 that included residential and industrial areas Winds continued to move the fire east towards Highway 40 threatening more residential areas and a heavy industrial park We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentThe county announced that there was progress through to 10 p.m. and that crews would continue to work through the night. Alberta Wildfire was also on the ground along with resources from the city that included fire crews, police and private resources to maintain a secure perimeter around the fire area. The evacuation order covers an area in the county that includes the subdivisions of Sunrise Estates, and Sunrise Estates 2, and the Core 40 Industrial Park, along with all rural properties within the evacuation order perimeter, defined as, everyone south of Township Road 710 to 27 Avenue and East of Range Road 64 to Highway 40. Evacuees were directed to a reception centre at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre, 11633 100 Street in the city of 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 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. © 2025 Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune transmission or republication strictly prohibited This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Alberta Forestry responding to out-of-control wildfire in the area of Deer Run – Motorists are asked to avoid the area as County Regional Fire Service and the City of Grande Prairie Fire Department respond to a wildfire near Deer Ridge Estates in the area of Range Road 64 near Township Road 704 and Township Road 710 (Correction Line) The wildfire is now past the lake located north of Deer Ridge Estates. The fire is classified as out of control at this time. As a precaution crews are evacuating homes within proximity of the fire.  Alberta Wildfire is assisting under mutual aid.   RCMP are also on scene and road closures may be in effect. The public is asked to avoid the area and remain vigilant in case of possible evacuations. Additional information will be posted on the County’s website, www.countygp.ab.caan social media channels Facebook and X as it becomes available.   – County Regional Fire Service and Alberta Wildfire continue their work to contain the wildfire which is now approximately 90 per cent contained ground fire crews and the Alberta Wildfire bucketing helicopter will focus on extinguishing hotspots Today’s relative humidity will create crossover conditions and may challenge the progress made on Sunday A fire ban was issued for the entire County of Grande Prairie and the towns of Beaverlodge The evacuation order remains in effect for an area within the County of Grande Prairie Approximately 100 evacuees have been registered The call centre hours of operation are from 8:00 a.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 to contain the fire using fire retardant dropped by air tankers and a dozer guard Crews have confirmed that no homes have been destroyed Fire crews will continue to work throughout the night with the support of an Alberta Wildfire night vision helicopter and ground crews The area includes the subdivisions of Sunrise Estates and Sunrise Estates 2 defined as everyone south of Township Road 710 to 27 Avenue and East of Range Road 64 to Highway 40 in the County of Grande Prairie The use of personal drone equipment is strictly prohibited as it will hinder air response from Alberta Wildfire and may result in fines Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account — An evacuation has been ordered on the outskirts of a northern Alberta city due to a wildfire Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience Don't have an account? Create Account We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentThe County of Grande Prairie says in a statement that crews are evacuating homes within proximity of a fire southwest of the City of Grande Prairie. It said late Sunday afternoon that the fire was past a lake located north of Deer Ridge Estates, and that people are being ordered to leave the semi-rural neighbourhood as a precaution. An Alberta Emergency Alert has been issued ordering people to evacuate immediately and to gather important documents, medication and medical devices and go to the Pomeroy Hotel in Grande Prairie. The province says firefighters, heavy equipment and airtankers are on-scene working to contain the spread of the wildfire. It says the fire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area remains very high at this time. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy You can manage saved articles in your account The Fire Ban is due to dry conditions and recent wildfire activity in the region. The current fire hazard is extreme, and the County Regional Fire Service has responded to multiple wildfires in the last 72 hours, including the Morgan’s Mountain and the Deer Ridge Estates wildfires.   and no new fire permits will be issued until the ban is lifted All fires currently burning must be extinguished immediately Some allowances can be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning if approved by a forest officer.   open pit flaring is suspended.   the County of Grande Prairie uses the following tiered system to temporarily limit activities that may lead to wildfires restrictions or bans can reduce human-cause wildfires.  Fire Advisory: The fire danger rating has increased but this level is a warning they may be restricted if the situation doesn't improve.   Fire Restriction: A fire restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires on public land but does allow wood campfires inside provincial campgrounds and private property or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.   Fire Ban: A fire ban prohibits wood campfires on public land and private land including backyard fire pits Fire permits will be suspended or cancelled Media Contact:  Trevor Grant Fire Chief  County Regional Fire Service 780-532-9727    A fire restriction is now in effect for the City of Grande Prairie “This restriction is intended to prevent human-caused wildfires especially while we have limited availability to contain them due to weather and fuel conditions,” said City of Grande Prairie Fire Department Fire Marshal “We ask that all residents exercise caution and take proactive steps to help keep our community safe from wildfires.” which can cause flying embers to travel up to two kilometres and start spot fires in new areas it can escape quickly and threaten nearby property or natural areas The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve Residents are urged to exercise caution and adhere to the guidelines to prevent the risk of wildfires Further information can be found at albertafirebans.ca or at cityofgp.com/firebans Google Translate is provided as a free tool to enhance the usability of the City of Grande Prairie website the City of Grande Prairie is not responsible for Google Translate™ - Three homes have been evacuated due to the fire's proximity Crews continue working to contain the perimeter and no further spread is expected at this time Additional updates will be shared on the County's website and on social media channels ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service and Alberta Wildfire crews are on scene responding to a wildfire in the Morgan's Mountain area Motorists are asked to avoid the area west of Range Road 50 between Township Road 744 and Township Road 742 as it is currently closed for fire suppression activities Regular Hours Our office is open: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.including over the lunch hour the City of Grande Prairie issued a fire ban to prevent uncontrolled burns during extreme conditions We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentThe city has disallowed any open burning Even fire pits with screens are prohibited and wood campfires on any parks or public land “Implementing a fire ban is a necessary step to protect our community first responders and natural surroundings,” said Grande Prairie Fire Department’s fire marshal but a public safety measure and we ask that all residents exercise caution while taking proactive steps to help keep our region safe from wildfires.” wood pellet smokers and barbecues with a safety shut-off and open flame oil devices such as tiki torches are also permitted dry vegetation and wind mean any spark could start a wildfire Fires are harder to control and can spread quickly through flying embers which may land and ignite spot fires up to several kilometres away under current conditions The ban is active until weather and environmental conditions improve and lessen the risk of wildfires The city asks residents to “exercise caution” Using methods and practices that lessen the risk of wildfire is beneficial to everyone the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service will be issuing a Fire Restriction for the entire County Sexsmith and Wembley, to align with Alberta Wildfire’s move to a fire restriction.  The Fire Restriction replaces the former Fire Advisory issued on April 15 The restriction is in effect due to warmer temperatures forecasted for the region.   “The combination of higher winds, rising temperatures and lower relative humidity has created unfavourable conditions that make it much easier for fires to start and spread,” says County Fire Chief Trevor Grant.”  or industrial bins may be used for burning Those who have an approved permit must follow permit guidelines and safe burning practices including always remaining on site until burning is complete Residents are reminded that burning is never permitted when winds reach Residents are also encouraged to check any burn piles from this winter to ensure they are completely extinguished.   visit www.countygp.ab.ca/fire or contact Regional Fire Service at 780-532-9727.  the County of Grande Prairie uses the following tiered system to temporarily limit activities that may lead to wildfires restrictions or bans can reduce human-caused wildfires.  Fire Advisory: The fire danger rating has increased Fire Restriction: A fire restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires on public land but does allow wood campfires inside provincial campgrounds and private property in an approved fire pit or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.  Fire Ban: A fire ban prohibits wood campfires on public land EdmontonNews‘Devastating to see’: Fish and Wildlife receive reports of youth killing snakes in Grande PrairieBy The Local Journalism InitiativePublished: May 01, 2025 at 1:06PM EDT EdmontonNews6 charged with drug trafficking in organized crime investigation in Grande PrairieBy Amanda AndersonPublished: April 15, 2025 at 12:50PM EDT – The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) has issued an Evacuation Order and Alberta Emergency Alert due to a wildfire burning east toward Highway 40 south of the City of Grande Prairie limits Grande Prairie 2025 federal election live results. Browse live results for all 343 ridings 228 of 228 polls are reporting as of 4:22 p.m. Follow our full coverage of the 2025 federal election 228 of 228 polls are reporting as of 4:22 p.m. Follow our full coverage of the 2025 federal election is projected to be re-elected in Grande Prairie Warkentin has 47,906 of 58,988 votes (81.21%) is in second place with 7,102 votes (12.04%) and Jennifer Villebrun Warkentin has represented the riding since 2006 Grande Prairie used to be named Grande Prairie—Mackenzie The riding’s boundaries were updated for the 2025 federal election 19,434 voters cast ballots at advance polls Looking for another riding? Here are the full results for the 2025 federal election. The Liberals have 169 races called in their favour. They have 8,535,128 votes and 43.69 per cent of the popular vote. The Conservatives have 144 races called in their favour. They have 8,059,938 votes and 41.26 per cent of the popular vote. The Bloc Québécois have 22 races called in their favour. They have 1,232,095 votes and 6.31 per cent of the popular vote. The New Democrats have seven races called in their favour. They have 1,231,198 votes and 6.3 per cent of the popular vote. The Greens have one race called in their favour. They have 243,471 votes and 1.25 per cent of the popular vote. At Parliament’s dissolution, the Liberals held 152 seats, the Conservatives 120, the Bloc Québécois 33, the NDP 24 and the Greens two. There were three independents and four vacancies in the 338-seat Commons. Because of population increases, the Commons has grown by five ridings starting with this election. This article was automatically generated using data provided by Canadian Press and will update as riding results become available. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account. Voters from Grande Prairie and across Canada cast their ballots in the federal election on Monday Below are the latest results updated for you in real time We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentWhile residents vote for their local members of parliament, it was Liberal Leader Mark Carney and the Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre who were vying to become the next prime minister. The majority of polls closed at 7:30 p.m., in Ontario, and at 8:30 p.m. Postmedia’s decision desk projected a Liberal win. The maps and other graphics below show results as they were counted. Zoom in to find your riding, zoom out to see results from across the country. Refresh your browser for the latest updates. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The noise from traffic on the city’s southeast side was so intrusive that sitting with one’s windows open on a hot day was almost impossible We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentNoise from fast-moving or speeding vehicles and motorbikes were wreaking havoc and the city needed to find a way to address them, said Wes Ducharme. This year’s spring weather saw an increase in traffic noise complaints. “Each spring, complaints increase—primarily related to vehicles with inadequate mufflers, modified equipment, and disruptive driving behaviours such as stunting and over-acceleration.” Last year, Grande Prairie Enforcement Services (GPES) officers issued 160 tickets for noisy vehicles in 2024. The tickets carry fines and could have a requirement to provide proof of corrective actions within 14 days. Officers received technical training focused on modified exhaust systems and noise-related vehicle issues. A year later and following the implementation of other program efforts, including an amnesty period, the city is re-focusing its efforts. Under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act and Grande Prairie Bylaw C-1103C, making it illegal to create or cause excessive, unnecessary noise from a motor vehicle, the Vehicle Equipment Regulation preventing the installation and use of aftermarket vehicle components that increase noise levels. Officers will also target those improperly using engine retarder brakes and excessively loud signalling devices. “Our main priority is to ensure that all residents enjoy a peaceful and safe community,” said Sgt. Ryan Hoffman peace officer with GPES. “While we recognize that many drivers take pride in their vehicles, it’s important to remember that excessive noise, especially from modified exhausts, can significantly disrupt neighbourhoods. We’re committed to working with the public to reduce these disturbances.” Ultimately, drivers operating vehicles generating loud noise could find themselves facing a $162 ticket and a requirement to appear in court. GPES is encouraging residents to report noisy vehicles by contacting their office at 780-830-5790 or by emailing es_contact@gppolice.com. The City of Grande Prairie conducts annual pest control operations beginning in spring insects and plant diseases on City-owned land within municipal boundaries using products registered with Health Canada Mosquito control operations begin in April or May The City targets mosquito larvae in temporary standing water using a larvicide registered with Health Canada Aerial application by helicopter is planned once per season lasting 3-6 days on average within the City’s mosquito control boundary plant-damaging insects and common plant diseases Only on City-owned land within municipal boundaries The operations use a granular larvicide called Aquabac 200g (registration number 26863) a Health Canada-approved product that targets only mosquito larvae.  Control efforts focus on temporary standing water locations that support the development of mosquito larvae and are limited to areas within the designated Mosquito Control Boundary.  Residents in areas scheduled for treatment are notified in advance and provided with information about the operation Those with concerns are encouraged to contact AccessGP by calling 311 All products used are registered with Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency and are approved for these purposes Residents with concerns are encouraged to contact AccessGP by calling 311 Residents with concerns can contact AccessGP by dialling 311 or emailing info@cityofgp.com The City of Grande Prairie is committed to managing noxious and prohibited noxious weeds as part of our ongoing environmental stewardship These invasive plants can pose serious risks to local ecosystems the City employs two targeted programs that operate throughout the growing season until the first frost Maintaining a healthy environment is a shared responsibility The City works to control weeds on public lands and asks residents to help by managing noxious weeds on their properties we can help prevent the spread of invasive species and protect our community’s green spaces Learn more about all the Noxious and Prohibited Noxious weeds by visiting the Directory of Common Legislated Weeds the City of Grande Prairie receives hundreds of complaints of weed infestations from dandelions to tansy. Weed inspectors are appointed by Council to ensure legislated prohibited noxious and noxious weeds are destroyed or controlled. If a plant is non-legislated (such as dandelions) then the City bears no responsibility to ensure its control Complaints received about legislated weeds are handled in a specific series of steps If you wish to report noxious or prohibited noxious weeds please contact Parks Operations directly it can take days or even weeks for weeds to show visible signs of desiccation the herbicide is being absorbed into the plants' root systems ensuring the weeds are eliminated at the source and do not return the following season it’s essential not to disturb the treated plants If you notice areas of public land that require attention or treatment, please let us know. You can report them through AccessGP by dialing 311 or emailing info@cityofgp.com or through this webform.  The City of Grande Prairie is proud to be protecting pollinators in our community as an official Bee City  Some of the work we are doing to protect and support the local pollinator populations includes: the City of Grande Prairie is not responsible for Google Translate™.