An Emergency Alert was sent out Thursday morning saying the County of Grande Prairie has issued an Evacuation Order for the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire, burning just west of the BC Alberta border.
The Evacuation Order is in effect for everyone located north of Township Road 710 to 740, east of the British Columbia/Alberta border to Range Road 130.
Evacuees are being told to leave immediately and report to the reception centre at the Hythe Community Library at 10013, 100 Street.
The county said reception staff will assign accommodations—either hotel lodging or camping at Hythe Municipal Campground.
Evacuees are being asked to bring important documents, medication, medical devices, and are being told to prepare to be away from their homes for 7 days. If you need help evacuating, call 780-830-5002.
The Evacuation Alert has expanded east along Township Road 710, from Range Road 130 to 124 and has expanded north along British Columbia/Alberta border to Township Road 750 until Highway 43.
The BC Wildfire Service reports that the Kiskatinaw River wildfire is currently about 2 kilometres from the Alberta border.
Southwesterly winds with gusts reaching up to 60 km/h will intensify the fire behaviour, creating challenging conditions for crews.
On Friday, a developing weather system will bring gusts up to 70 km/h leading to aggressive and extreme fire conditions which will challenge resources.
County Regional Fire Service is completing the remaining structural protection for properties at risk within the County of Grande Prairie.
With the expected increase in fire behaviour, the County has increased staffing, staged aerial and heavy equipment, and is supporting the BC Wildfire Service and Alberta Wildfire as the lead agencies responding to the wildfire.