By Erika Rolling

Wildfire Spread Prevention

Firebreak south of Grande Prairie completes first phase

May 24, 2023 | 9:43 AM

The firebreak southeast of Grande Prairie has completed it’s inital line ahead of schedule, to provide an important line of defense for wildfires in the region.

From May 16-23, two dozen pieces of heavy equipment – primarily done by local contractors – completed the first phase of the work of the 30 kilometer long firebreak.

The firebreak is 30 to 40 meters wide, with some locations reaching 100 meters across.

Map outlining the path of construction for the Southeast Grande Prairie Firebreak – photo courtesy City of Grande Prairie

Despite the very welcomed precipitation over the Victoria Day long weekend, crews continue to widen the line up to 200 meters in specific, strategic locations.

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Recreational users and the public are being reminded to use caution and avoid the Evergreen Ridge Recreation Area and nearby Crown land while work is ongoing.

Once work in the area is complete, an update will be provided.

The firebreak is mainly on Crown land extending east from Evergreen Park, north to the Aspen Ridge subdivision, and south to the Wapiti River, as well as south of Evergreen Park, west to Highway 40.

The project cost is $7.5 million and was made possible thanks to a committment of $5 million from the provincial government. The County and City of Grande Prairie are splitting the remaining costs of around $1.25 million each.

The firebreak was put into action following the Dunes West wildfire that displaced nearly 1,900 residents in the County of Grande Prairie.