Evacuation Ordered as Kiskatinaw River Wildfire Spreads in Northeastern B.C.
A fast-growing wildfire in northeastern British Columbia has led to an evacuation order and partial highway closure near the Alberta border, as crews scramble to contain flames threatening homes and infrastructure. The Kiskatinaw River Wildfire, located south of Dawson Creek, has now grown to 1,100 hectares and is considered out of control, according to the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) and the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Evacuation Order Issued for Kelly Lake and Surrounding Areas
As of Thursday afternoon, the PRRD issued an evacuation order for residents in the following areas:
- Kelly Lake
- North of Campbell Lake
- West of Tent Lake
- South of Twin Lakes
- East to the Alberta border
Officials have directed evacuees to report to Sudeten Hall in Dawson Creek for emergency support.
“This wildfire poses a threat to human life,” the PRRD stated in its emergency alert. “Residents must evacuate immediately.”
Weather Conditions Fuel Fire Spread
The wildfire was first discovered on Wednesday and is believed to be human-caused. A combination of hot weather, high winds, and dry lightning has increased fire risk across the region.
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In response, the B.C. Wildfire Service has deployed additional crews, heavy equipment, and aviation support to the area. The fire is also burning close to critical infrastructure, including the Pembina Steeprock gas processing facility and sections of Highway 52 East (Heritage Highway).
Highway Closures and Safety Concerns
Road maintenance firm Argo Road Maintenance confirmed that portions of Highway 52 E were closed Thursday due to wildfire activity. No official timeline has been provided for when the highway will reopen.
An evacuation alert was first issued at 4:15 p.m., urging residents to be ready to leave on short notice. It was quickly escalated to a full evacuation order for certain areas.
Fire Activity High Across Northeastern B.C.
As of Thursday, 57 wildfires were burning across British Columbia, with 32 considered out of control—most of them concentrated in the northeastern region.
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Despite this recent flare-up, B.C.’s wildfire season has been relatively tame so far compared to previous years. However, authorities remain cautious.
“Conditions can change quickly, and we’re seeing that now,” said Forests Minister Ravi Parmar.
B.C. has also sent over 150 firefighters and personnel to assist with wildfire responses in Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Parmar said the province expects to have around 250 resources deployed to other provinces by the weekend.
Do you think British Columbia should invest more in local fire prevention, or continue focusing on national wildfire support efforts?
More…
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/kiskatinaw-river-wildfire-evacuation-order-northeast-bc-1.7547718
- https://vancouversun.com/news/breaking-evacuation-order-for-wildfire-in-b-c-s-peace-river
- https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/event/29may25
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/manitoba-declares-state-of-emergency-as-wildfires-force-over-17000-to-evacuate
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