Province confirms structural damage caused by Kiskatinaw River wildfire

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The Kiskatinaw River wildfire has been confirmed to have damaged some structures within Kelly Lake.

The provincial government held a “seasonal preparedness update” press conference on June 9th, outlining the current status of wildfires, drought conditions and more across the province.

During the briefing, a question was raised regarding word of structures within the community of Kelly Lake being damaged by the ongoing fire.

Kevin Dunbar, the executive director of provincial and regional operations for the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, answered by saying the amount of information available regarding structural damage in the community was limited.

“We’re trying to make sure that people are safe,” Dunbar said. “We have some information around structures impacted, but there hasn’t been a full assessment done yet due to the ongoing wildfire risk in the area.”

Despite that limited information, Dunbar said the ministry has received reports that “up to seven” structures – ranging from old, derelict buildings to mobile homes – have been lost to the fire.

“A full assessment is underway, so, in terms of specific information and up-to-date information, it’d be with the local authority, and we’re continuing to work very, very closely with BC Wildfire [Service] to make sure that we’re on top of any impacts to individuals.”

The community of Kelly Lake has been evacuated to Dawson Creek, thanks to a series of evacuation orders issued by the Peace River Regional District beginning on May 29th.

The fire – which has burned nearly 200,000 hectares so far – also led to evacuation orders and alerts on the Alberta side of the provincial border from the County of Grande Prairie.

To view the full seasonal preparedness update, look below.