A wildfire burning out of control, 18 kilometers southwest of Kelly Lake has prompted and Evacuation Alert and an Evacuation Order. The fire is burning near the Kiskatinaw River and Highway 52.
The BC Wildfire Service says the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire poses a threat to human life. Those forced to leave their homes are being told to evacuate to Sudeten Hall, 1901 Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek.
The following area is subject to an Evacuation Order:
• Approx 18.6 km south of the One Island Lake turn off on Highway 52E • Due west 10.6 km • Due South 14 km • Due East 7.3 km to Highway 52 E • Due East 15 km to the BC border • Due North 12 km to a point along the BC border • Due west 10 km to Highway 52E
The following area is subject to an Evacuation Alert:
• Approx 10 km south of One Island Lake turnoff on Highway 52E • 14 km west to the west side of One Island Lake • Due south 5 km • Due east 20 km to the BC border • North 5.5 km to a point along the BC border • Due 6.5 km west to Highway 52E
It’s important to note that Peace River Regional District’s Orders and Alerts do not affect First Nations communities or municipalities as they issue their own.
The blaze was discovered Thursday and has exploded to 4,590 hectares in size. The fire is thought to be human caused and is expected to spread beyond its current perimeter.
Earlier in the day Thursday, emergency officials were going door-to-door issuing tactical evacuations in the area.
The BC Wildfire Service says air tankers and helicopters are helping firefighters and heavy equipment on the ground. Smoke from the fire is making it difficult to get aircraft close to the fire, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
As a cold front moves through the region Thursday, high winds are expected to make fighting the fire more difficult, according to the wildfire service.
The wildfire service said a structure protection crew has been requested and is on its way to the scene.
The wildfire service said that smoke from the fire may be visable from Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge.
The fire was burning close to the Pembina Steeprock gas processing facility and Highway 52 E, also known as the Heritage Highway.
Highway 52E, between Kelly Lake and Kiskatinaw Forest Service Road (Sunderman Pit) is closed. Motorists are being urged to check Drive BC.
For those under the Evacuation Order for the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire:
- Travel to the City of Dawson Creek by the safest route for your area. Visit DriveBC for road conditions.
- Registerfor Emergency Support Services (ESS) at the Reception Centre located at the Sudeten Hall located at 1901 Alaska Highway, Dawson Creek BC.
- If you need help to meet your basic needs if evacuated, create a profile for Emergency Support Services (ESS). Creating a profile for ESS ahead of time will make it easier to access support. Once your account has been verified with BC Services, you may be eligible for Interac e-Transfer.
- To register for ERA, follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Visit www.ess.gov.bc.ca
- Step 2: Click ‘Create Profile’
- Step 3: Follow the BC Services Card login and registration instructions
- Step 4: 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.