Photo Courtesy EGP Staff

By Tanner Smith

Jasper Wildfire

City of Grande Prairie shares information on Jasper wildfire situation

Jul 26, 2024 | 6:00 AM

The City of Grande Prairie has provided an update on the ongoing Jasper wildfire situation.

Dan Lemieux, Director of Emergency Management said; ” In the City of Grande Prairie right now, we have about 130 evacuees that came to us from Jasper. We have registered all 130 of those individuals and we have found accommodation.”

While these evacuees are in Grande Prairie, the city will also be offering free transit and access to recreation facilities, along with the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum inviting these Albertans to come and enjoy the museum free of charge.

In the update, Lemieux gave credit to last year’s wildfire evacuations for creating a more streamlined response system.

“We’ve done this enough times now that I think we’re getting really good at it, and were better prepared. Obviously, through sending resources of our fire department both the city and the county are helping out in Jasper as much as we can.”

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The EverythingGP newsroom has received calls from the public asking how they can get involved, either donating or providing lodging space; Lemieux says the best way is to get a hold of the city’s information line at 780-830-5002 and go from there.

He added, between locals wanting to host residents, the Grande Prairie Salvation Army feeding first responders in Hinton, and local fire crews going to Jasper to help fight the blaze; “I think it just shows the community spirit and how caring people are in the Peace Country.

“I’m really not surprised by the response we’re getting and how everyone’s pulling together and how everyone wants to help, so that is very much appreciated.”

Lemieux asks anyone currently coming to Grande Prairie from Jasper to “take frequent breaks as some people have had long drives,” and the city looks forward to hosting them in Grande Prairie.

Any evacuees who arrive in Grande Prairie are asked to register themselves at the Bonnetts Energy Centre.