The Grande Prairie Fire Department (GPFD) responded shortly after midnight to a significant structure fire at Margaret Edgson Manor. Crews arrived on scene within minutes to find a well-developed fire and began immediate suppression efforts along with search and evacuation, including several residents that required mobility assistance.   

The initial response included two Engines, one Ladder and one Platoon Chief, with additional resources dispatched shortly afterward to support the ongoing response. Grande Prairie RCMP and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were also on scene assisting.

While the fire has been brought under control, it presently remains an active incident. Current wind conditions are creating challenging fireground conditions, and GPFD crews continue to work the scene. Ongoing priorities include continued suppression, secondary searches and assisting with retrieval of pets and essential medications for displaced residents. City Transit is engaged and assisting with the movement of impacted residents.

As of this time, GPFD can confirm there has been no loss of life at the scene. However, a number of residents were transported to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital (GPRH) for injury assessment and treatment.

An estimated 20 to 40 individuals will require temporary accommodations, including several requiring mobility assistance. The total number of residents impacted is still being confirmed.  

Initial temporary shelter has been provided at GPRH with the support of Alberta Health Services and EMS. Arrangements have also been made with local hotels to secure longer-term accommodations. A GPFD team, along with representatives from the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) are currently on site at the GPRH to begin transitioning displaced residents to these accommodations.

“We’re very fortunate that all occupants were successfully evacuated under very challenging conditions and grateful for the assistance of our partners including EMS, RCMP, GPREP and City Transit”, said Grande Prairie Fire Chief, Mark VanWerkhoven. “The cause of the fire is under investigation, and GPFD Fire Investigators have been activated to determine origin and contributing factors.”

GPFD has initiated a department-wide call-in to maintain emergency response coverage for the broader community. 

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.