New evacuation orders and alert issued due to Kiskatinaw River wildfire

KELLY LAKE, B.C. — More evacuation orders and another evacuation alert are in place due to the Kiskatinaw River wildfire. 

The blaze, which is close to the Kelly Lake community, has burned 14,276 hectares so far. Firefighters from Alberta Wildfire are working alongside the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) to deal with the flames, which are expected to be impacted by high winds over the weekend (June 6th to 8th).

On June 6th, the PRRD issued two new evacuation orders and one evacuation alert due to the wildfire, while the County of Grande Prairie expanded the area placed under a previous evacuation order.

“We are confident our combined efforts to fight this wildfire will minimize the impact on our communities, but still want to stress the danger of staying in the evacuated zone,” explained Trevor Grant, County of Grande Prairie fire chief.  “We urge residents in the evacuated area to leave for their safety and the safety of our responders.” 

Residents in any areas under an order have been told they must leave immediately or risk fatal consequences. 

These two new PRRD orders represent the fourth and fifth issued by the district.

The PRRD’s order four covers: 

• Approximately 10km south of the junction with One Island Lake Road and Highway 52 east

• Approximately 13.5km due west to the western side of One Island Lake Road

• In a northeasterly direction following the north side of One Island Lake Road

• To the junction of Weaver Road

• In a westerly direction 3.3km to an intersection of Highway 52 east

• In an easterly direction 5km to the B.C. border

• South following the B.C. border for 9.5km

• West 5km to a point of intersection with Highway 52 east

The PRRD’s order five covers:

• 12.75km south of Kelly Lake Road turnoff on Highway 52 east

• 14km east to the B.C. border

• 13.5km south along the B.C. border

• In a southwesterly direction 16.5km to Highway 52 east

• Northerly following the western boundary of Highway 52 east 14km

• From said point in a westerly direction 5.7km

• In a northwesterly direction 7.4km

• Easterly 2km to a point of intersection with Highway 52 east

The County of Grande Priairie’s expanded order covers:

• North of Township Road 700 to 740
• East of the B.C./Alberta border to Range Road 130

PRRD evacuees on the B.C. side of the border should travel to the City of Dawson Creek by the safest route, shutting off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers, before they leave. 

They have also been told to close and lock all windows and doors; latch gates but do not lock them; gather family and take anyone needing transportation; take pets on a leash or in a kennel; and pick up critical items such as ID, credit cards, medicine, cell phones, chargers and keys if they are immediately available.

County of Grande Prairie evacuees in Alberta have been told to go to the Hythe Community Library at 10013 100th Street.

The PRRD has also issued another evacuation alert. Residents in this area do not have to evacuate yet, but should be ready to do so at a moment’s notice:

• 16km north of the junction of Coseks Road and Highway 52 east

• North along the western boundary of Highway 52 east, approximately 1km

• In a northeasterly direction, approximately 14km to the B.C. border

• Southerly along the B.C. border for 11.2km

• In a northwesterly direction, approximately 16.2km to Highway 52 east

Additionally, DriveBC reports Highway 52 is currently closed between One Island Lake Road and Hiding Creek Road due to the Kiskatinaw River wildfire. 

Details of the evacuation orders already issued by the PRRD are here:

• Evacuation order one.

• Evacuation order two and three.

See all Energeticcity.ca‘s stories about the Kiskatinaw River blaze here.

Details about all the evacuation orders and alerts issued by the PRRD are also on its website.

Check the most up-to-date status of the highway on DriveBC.