Firefighters battle through night to tackle 4,590-hectare Kiskatinaw River wildfire

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Firefighters in the Peace region worked overnight to battle the wildfire near the Kiskatinaw River after an evacuation order was placed in the area.  

According to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), 60 staff members are responding to the blaze and utilizing helicopters, heavy equipment and structure protection to attempt to limit the spread of the flames. 

BCWS is reporting a wildfire rank of four or five. This means the blaze is highly or extremely vigorous, with limited options such as indirect attack and planned ignitions to limit the spread. 

“Structure protection and BCWS crews worked overnight in the Kelly Lake community,” said BCWS. 

“Heavy equipment is assisting BCWS crews working on the west flank creating a fire guard.”

In a BCWS update at 9:20 a.m. on May 30th, the blaze is still out of control and has grown to 4,590 hectares in size.

The wildfire was first discovered on May 28th in the Kiskatinaw River area, with the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) announcing an evacuation order for a particular area threatened by the fire the following day. 

The County of Grande Prairie also issued an evacuation alert on May 29th, which remains in place. 

Portions of Highway 52 east are closed in both directions between Kelly Lake Road and Kiskatinaw Forest Service Road due to the blaze. Updates will be posted on the DriveBC website.

The City of Dawson Creek also announced its Emergency Reception Centre is open to evacuees from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

In a press release on May 30th, the city suggested activities available to the people evacuated include free swimming at the Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre, the Toonie Pop-Up event offering racket games for $2, the Dawson Creek Farmers’ Market and more. 

Click here for more information on the Dawson Creek Emergency Reception Centre.