April 25, 2024 – 5:30 pm
The Shaftesbury fire remains classified as being held, and fire crews and emergency personnel remain on the scene, watching for flare-ups and putting out hotspots.
ATCO successfully restored the main power line and reenergized (turned on) services at most residences shortly after noon today. For residents who were not at home this morning while ATCO was reenergizing services, please contact ATCO Electric after-hours to turn your services on. The Peace River Electric main line (780-624-6729) will be forwarded to our power outages line (1-800-668-5506) during lunch and after 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.
As mentioned this morning, these planned outages are necessary over the next few days for ATCO to replace damaged poles safely. Please note the previously scheduled outage on Sunday is now discontinued; therefore, residents will have power on Sunday. Again, we understand this is an inconvenience and truly appreciate your patience. Here is the updated schedule of outages for Shaftesbury Settlement residents:
Friday, April 26, 2024 – 8 am to 5 pm
Saturday, April 27, 2024 – 8 am to 5 pm
Returning residents are encouraged to read important re-entry information for residents here:
https://mdpeace.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Re-Entry-FAQs_ATCO-Electric_-CB.pdf
Scheduled updates will now cease, and information will be shared on an as-needed basis. Please continue to monitor our Facebook page and website for updates.
Thank you all so much for your patience and support
Good morning, here’s our 10 am update: April 25, 2024
The Shaftesbury fire remains classified as being held, the evacuation orders have been lifted, and residents are returning to their homes. Fire crews and emergency personnel remain on the scene. ATCO is reenergizing (turning on) the main line and services at each individual residence this morning. Power lines have been damaged in the fire, and planned outages are critical and necessary over the next few days in order for ATCO to safely replace damaged poles. We understand this is an inconvenience and truly appreciate your patience as these critical repairs are completed. Below is the schedule of outages for Shaftesbury Settlement residents (see map):
Friday, April 26, 2024 – 8 am to 5 pm
Saturday, April 27, 2024 – 8 am to 5 pm
Sunday, April 28, 2024 – 8 am to 5 pm
For returning residents, please find some helpful information from Alberta Health Services regarding returning home after a wildfire and helping children and teens respond to a disaster or emergency. AHS information packages can be picked up at our office located at
Returning Home After a Wildfire:
We cannot begin to thank firefighters, emergency personnel, residents, volunteers, farmers and ranchers, local businesses, partnering municipalities and countless citizens and groups who have stepped up to support during this emergency.
The next update will be at 6 pm today.
April 24, 2024 – 10pm
There is nothing new to report regarding the actual fire. It is currently being held as firefighters and emergency personnel remain working on the scene.
As noted earlier this evening, re-entry plans for evacuees are in place to begin at 6 am tomorrow morning (April 25, 2024).
Please be advised that residents in the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert on the map will remain under a one-hour evacuation alert until further notice.
For returning residents, note that your site was de-energized (turned off) at the meter due to safety concerns from the wildfire. ATCO is reenergizing (turning services on) at residences one at a time starting at approximately 7 am. Upon returning, please ensure you inspect your home inside and out for hazards and that all appliances are turned off.
For safety reasons, please continue to avoid areas where crews are working. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
The next update will be at 10 am tomorrow morning.
April 24, 2024 7:50 pm
After consultation with operations on the ground, we plan to lift the evacuation order at 6AM tomorrow (April 25, 2024).
However, the original evacuation area will remain under a one hour evacuation alert until further notice.
Residents returning may not have power immediately, as Atco is reenergizing residences one at a time starting at approximately 7AM.
Fire personnel will still be active for several days. For safety reasons it is imperative that everyone avoid areas that these crews are working.
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Courtesy: MD of Peace
Update
April 24, 6:00 pm
The Shaftesbury fire is currently being held, and firefighter crews and emergency personnel continue to be on the scene. Should this trend continue, the evacuation order and alert could be lifted later this evening or tomorrow morning. The MD is working with ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric on re-entry planning.
As a result of the fire, one home was seriously damaged, and several outbuildings and vehicles were lost. If it weren’t for the incredible actions of local responders, municipal aid partners, Alberta Emergency Management and Alberta Forestry, approximately 50 homes could have been lost. Words cannot express our gratitude for the outstanding support within our region and across the province.
The Emergency Reception Centre will be open until 9 pm tonight and is in place at the Grimshaw Legion located at 5011-49 avenue.
We continue to express our heartfelt appreciation to the brave firefighters, committed volunteers, government agencies, and neighboring communities for their steadfast support. To our residents and fellow citizens, we are truly grateful for your offers of help and sharing updates.
The next update will be at 10 pm this evening and re-entry information will be shared on social media, our website and through our mass texting service when available.
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Courtesy MD of Peace
Shaftesbury Fire Update – April 24, 2024 9:40 am
The Shaftesbury Trail fire did not grow measurably overnight and is still classified as out of control. The evacuation zones remain the same and everyone impacted has been safely evacuated.
Thankfully, no resident homes have been lost; however, several outbuildings have been destroyed by the fire. Our thoughts go to all our residents who have been impacted.
The MD of Peace is grateful for external resources and support that continue to be provided by Alberta Emergency Management, Alberta Forestry and neighboring municipalities.
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 MD of Peace extends deep gratitude to firefighters, volunteers, government agencies, and neighboring municipalities for their support. The support we have received is truly remarkable.
For ongoing information, please continue monitoring the MD of Peace Facebook page and website at mdpeace.com.
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Courtesy: MD of Peace
Shaftesbury Fire Update
April 23, 2024 10:50pm
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 tomorrow morning at 8 am.
We extend our gratitude to the courageous firefighters, dedicated volunteers, government agencies, and neighboring municipalities for their unwavering support. To our residents and fellow citizens, your offers for assistance and sharing updates are deeply appreciated. For ongoing information, please continue monitoring our Facebook page and website.
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Peace River Correctional Centre Evacuated – With the growing fire, inmates at the Peace River Correctional Centre were evacuated in the evening of April 23, 2024. Peace River School Division school buses were used in the process. As a result, some PRSD school bus morning runs on April 24, 2024 have been cancelled.
Road Closures – According to Alberta 511. Highway 684 to Highway 740 to Peace River Correctional Centre. All lanes closed in both directions. Avoid this area to allow firefighting crews room to work.
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Courtesy: Alberta Wildfire
8:30pm. April 23, 2024
Alberta Wildfire is providing assistance on a mutual aid wildfire in the Municipal District of Peace 135. The Shaftesbury fire is about 7 km SE of Grimshaw and is 400 hectares in size. We are supporting local firefighting efforts with airtankers, helicopters and wildland firefighters. Follow the Municipal District of Peace 135 or visit their website for the latest information: mdpeace.com/ View information on evacuations on the Alberta Emergency Alert website www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert or download the Alberta Emergency Alert app.
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Courtesy: MD of Peace
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.
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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.
Courtesy: MD of Peace
The MD of Peace 135 has declared a State of Emergency
Residents along Shaftsbury Trail have been placed on a 30-minute evacuation notice and are therefore being asked to evacuate within 30 minutes if required.
The fire is located along Shaftsbury 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.
