The Peace River Regional District has issued two Evacuation Orders and one Evacuation Alert for the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire, that’s burning 5 kilometres from the community of Kelly Lake.
The fire exploded in size Tuesday, almost doubling to 6,532 hectares. The Evacuation Orders were recommendations from the BC Wildfire Service due to immediate danger to life safety.
The entire community of One Island Lake and the nearby area were evacuated, totalling between the two Evacuation Orders 57 properties.
The first Evacuation Order is in effect for properties in the following area:
- Approximately 10km south of One Island Lake turnoff on Highway 52 east
- Due south 5km
- Due east 20km to the B.C. border
- Due 2km west to the edge of Beaverlodge Lake
- Along the southern shore of Beaverlodge Lake 0.75km
- Due west to a point of intersection with Highway 52 east.
- 14km west to the west side of One Island Lake
The second Evacuation Order is in effect for properties in the following area:
- 1.5 km south of Kiskatinaw Pit Rd
- Due west 13.1 km to the BC Border
- South along BC Border 5.2 km
- Due west 14.1 km
- In a westerly direction 8 km
- Northerly .8 km
- Westerly 6.9 km to Highway 52 east
The Evacuation Alert is in effect for properties in the following area:
- Approximately 10.4 km south of the Kiskatinaw Pit Rd
- Due East 14 km to the BC border
- South along the BC border 5.4 km
- Due west 12.8 km to a point of intersection with Highway 52 east
- Due west approximately 5.3 km to the northern most point of Bearhole Lake protected area
- Northwesterly direction 6.8 km to a point of intersection with order 3
- In a westerly direction 4.3 km to a junction with Highway 52 east
PRRD Alerts and Orders do not affect First Nations communities on Reserve Lands or municipalities as they issue their own.
Residents are being told to leave the area immediately and find the safest route to Dawson Creek. Evacuees can register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) at the Reception Centre located at the Dawson Creek City Hall. Hours of operation are from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm daily.
In issuing the Evacuation Order, the PRRD said, “due to extreme wildfire behaviour, the situation with the Kiskatinaw River wildfire changed extremely quickly on June 3. This resulted in new evacuation orders and alerts for the area, based on recommendations from the BC Wildfire Service.”
The BC Wildfire Services said the Kiskatinaw River wildfire will experience significant growth in the coming days. Winds from the west are forecast to intensify, reaching over 50 kilometres per hour on Thursday and up to 60 kilometres per hour by Friday.
These winds will continue to drive the fire north, south, and eastward toward Kelly Lake and the Alberta border. With relative humidity dropping below 20%, daytime temperatures in the 20s, and strong, persistent winds, aggressive and challenging fire behaviour is expected.
Wildfire activity on Tuesday was moderate, with primarily Rank 3-4 fire behaviour observed. Most of the activity occurred on the south side of both the north and south fingers of the fire. The fire has spotted across Highway 52 in some areas.
What Should Evacuees Do?
- Travel to the City of Dawson Creek by the safest route for your area. Visit Drive BC for road conditions.
- Register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) at the Reception Centre located at the Dawson Creek City Hall – Lower Level, 10105 12A Street, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday. Camping spots are available for evacuees that are able to provide their own trailers.
- If you need help to meet your basic needs if evacuated, create a profile for Emergency Support Services (ESS).
- If you’re evacuated, follow all instructions and evacuate. Follow the steps listed in your Evacuation Order
- Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
- Close and lock all windows and doors
- Close gates (latch) but do not lock them.
- Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than needed.
- Take critical items (identification, credit cards, medicine, cell phone and charger, and keys) only if they are immediately available.
- Take pets in pet kennels or on a leash.
Residents are reminded that conditions may change rapidly—please stay informed and be prepared. If you need assistance to evacuate from the area, such as for transportation, mobility, health, or other needs, please advise the person providing this notice or call 1-800-670-7773.
