Emergency News – Archived

BC Wildfire Service updates that, currently, there no reported losses to primary structures in the Community of Kelly Lake. First responders remain in place and continue to work tirelessly to protect the community and critical infrastructure wherever it is safe to do so.

Wind conditions remain volatile, with sustained winds of 30–50 km/h, and gusts up to 75 km/h forecast to continue through the weekend. These conditions are contributing to aggressive fire behaviour and will continue to challenge suppression efforts.

With advice from BC Wildfire Service, Evacuation Alerts and Evacuation Orders were expanded on June 06.

Evacuation Alerts and Evacuation Orders remain in effect. If you are under an Evacuation Order, you must leave immediately. If you are under an Alert, please be prepared to leave on short notice. Evacuation Orders are recommended by BC Wildfire Service when there is a threat to people, homes, or critical infrastructure. These decisions are made proactively with your safety—and the safety of responders—as the top priority.

To see if your property is under an Evacuation Alert, go to the online map tool and enter your address in the search bar at the top.

📲 https://ow.ly/avaT50W1aRW

The PRRD Emergency Operations Centre continues to work closely with BC Wildfire Service, Alberta Wildfire, and other partners to coordinate the response.

We are committed to keeping you informed as this situation evolves. Please continue to monitor trusted sources for updates.

Please monitor our Facebook page, our website prrd.bc.ca, our Youtube; and BC Wildfire Service at https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/incidents…

We thank everyone who is supporting neighbours, staying informed, and following Orders and Alerts. Your cooperation truly helps keep our communities safe.

June 4, 2025 1930hrs (7:30 p.m.) Update

Due to extreme and unpredictable wildfire behaviour, all Evacuation Alerts and Orders remain in effect for the Kiskatinaw River wildfire (G70422) until further notice. Residents should remain vigilant, as conditions can change very quickly.

Wildfire Update:

As of 4:37 p.m. on June 4, 2025

The latest update from BC Wildfire Services shows that the fire is 6,532 hectares and is not currently in the Kelly Lake community, but it is growing in that direction. This is a high-risk situation. Do not wait until you see smoke or fire to evacuate the area. Road access may become compromised quickly and conditions can change.

Structure protection units from several fire departments across B.C. and BC Wildfire Service crews are on site in Kelly Lake, prepared to activate sprinkler systems that are in place to defend homes and structures.

Highway 52 East remains closed in both directions.

In One Island Lake, crews are setting up structure protection equipment on properties as a precaution. While the fire continues to move east and current forecasts do not indicate it will head directly north, the presence of both southerly and northerly wind components means movement toward the northeast and southwest remains possible. Given the strong winds and potential for increased fire behaviour later this week, these proactive steps are being taken to stay ahead of possible changes in fire behaviour or direction.

For most recent, verified and accurate information for the Kiskatinaw River wildfire (G70422), please visit the BC Wildfire Dashboard

Evacuation Order:

If you receive an Evacuation Order, keep yourself, your family, your community, and first responders safe by following it and vacating the area immediately. Choosing to remain in an area under Evacuation Order puts yourself, your loved ones, and first responders in danger. It’s not worth the risk. Evacuation Orders are recommended by BC Wildfire Service, when there is a threat to people, homes, or critical infrastructure. These decisions are made proactively and with the safety of the community and responders as the top priority.

ESS:

Emergency Support Services (ESS) is currently activated to support residents that are evacuated by providing lodging, food or groceries, and essentials. ESS is available to help with linking evacuees with additional services such as medical support and professional resources.

ESS for evacuated residents is available at Dawson Creek City Hall – Lower Level, 10105 12A Street, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) with staff and ESS volunteers for any additional registrations or renewals.

Trusted Information:

Residents in the area are urged to stay informed through trusted sources, follow all evacuation notices, and be ready to act if conditions change.

• Monitor the PRRD’s website at www.prrd.bc.ca and PRRD Facebook Page for the latest information on evacuation orders and location of Reception Centres and hours of operation.
• BC Wildfire Service is responsible for the wildfire response. For updates and additional information, visit the dashboard.
• Monitor the City of Dawson Creek for Emergency Support Services Official Emergency Reception Centre updates will be posted at dawsoncreek.ca/emergency
• Check Road Conditions: Visit DriveBC.ca for the latest information on any road closures or detours that may be in place due to wildfire activity.
• Check BC Parks for any parks & trails closures as they may be impacted
• For cross jurisdictional response, please monitor the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 website and official Facebook page

June 3, 2025 2200hrs (10:00 p.m.) Update

Due to extreme wildfire behaviour, the situation with the Kiskatinaw River wildfire (G70422) changed extremely quickly on June 3, 2025. This resulted in new evacuation orders and alerts for the area, based on recommendations from BC Wildfire Service. A map showing all the current Evacuation Alerts and Orders for the Kiskatinaw River wildfire (G70422) is below.

Evacuation Orders and Alerts Overview for Kiskatinaw River Wildfire (G70422)

Wildfire Update:

The latest update from BC Wildfire Services shows the Kiskatinaw River wildfire (G70422) 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 June 3 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. Residents are reminded that conditions may change rapidly—please stay informed and be prepared.

For most recent, verified and accurate information, please visit the BC Wildfire Dashboard at: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/dashboard

Evacuation Order:

If you receive an Evacuation Order, keep yourself, your family, your community, and first responders safe by following it and vacating the area immediately. Choosing to remain in an area under Evacuation Order puts yourself, your loved ones, and first responders in danger. It’s not worth the risk. Evacuation Orders are recommended by BC Wildfire Service, when there is a threat to people, homes, or critical infrastructure. These decisions are made proactively and with the safety of the community and responders as the top priority.

ESS:

If you are evacuated and must leave your home, Emergency Support Services (ESS) provides you with immediate help.

What ESS offers:

• A safe place to stay: ESS provides temporary lodging in an emergency.
• Food and essential supplies: ESS provides meals and basic items like toiletries.
• Clothing: ESS provides clothing when things have been left behind in a hurry.
• Emotional support: ESS offers a compassionate ear during a stressful time.
• Pet care: ESS assists with pet care for furry family members.
• Help getting around: ESS arranges transportation if needed.

ESS for evacuated residents is available at Dawson Creek City Hall – Lower Level, 10105 12A Street, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Trusted Information:

Residents in the area are urged to stay informed through trusted sources, follow all evacuation notices, and be ready to act if conditions change.

• Monitor the PRRD’s website at www.prrd.bc.ca and PRRD Facebook Page for the latest information on evacuation orders and location of Reception Centres and hours of operation.
• BC Wildfire Service is responsible for the wildfire response. For updates and additional information, visit the dashboard.
• Check Road Conditions: Visit DriveBC.ca for the latest information on any road closures or detours that may be in place due to wildfire activity.
• Check BC Parks for any parks & trails closures as they may be impacted
• For cross jurisdictional response, please monitor the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 website and official Facebook page

Issued on June 1, 2025 At 4:30 p.m.

The Dawson Creek Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre will be relocated to Dawson Creek City Hall at 10105 12A Street for the duration of Monday, June 2 to Friday, June 6.

Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre details:

• New Location: Dawson Creek City Hall, Lower Level at 10105 12A Street, Dawson Creek
• Hours: 9am to 1pm
• ESS Support Line: 1-250-784-4681
• ESS Support Line: Available 8am to 7pm
• Signage will be in place to direct people to the correct location.

Official Emergency Reception Centre Updates: www.dawsoncreek.ca/emergency

Issued June 1, 2025 at 0900hrs (9:00 a.m.)

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has extended emergency support services for residents evacuated due Kiskatinaw River Wildfire (G70422) by seven (7) days.

This decision was made out of an abundance of caution based on recommendations from BC Wildfire Service due to uncertain fire conditions. For all official updates about the evacuation order, please visit www.prrd.bc.ca.

The Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre will be extending renewals of ESS services for seven (7) days to Sunday, June 8, 2025.

For all lodging, food and supply referrals, evacuated residents should go in person to the ESS Reception Centre today, Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre details:

• Location: Dawson Creek City Hall – Lower Level, 10105 12A Street
• Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Official Emergency Reception Centre Updates will be posted at dawsoncreek.ca/emergency.

For further information that may pertain to the wildfire:

• An Evacuation Alert checklist is available under Emergency News on the PRRD website.
• Emergency information email is also available for public inquiries at emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca
• BC Wildfire Service is responsible for the wildfire response. For updates and additional information visit the wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/dashboard.
• Check Road Conditions: Visit DriveBC.ca for the latest information on any road closures or detours that may be in place due to wildfire activity.
• Check BC Parks for any parks & trails closures as they may be impacted

Issued as of May 29, 2025

A state of local emergency has been declared for Electoral Area D in the Peace River Regional District as a result of the imminent threat to people and property due to wildfire. The state of local emergency will remain in effect for 14 days or until cancelled by the Peace River Regional District.

Please see the individual Declaration for Electoral Area ‘D’ below:

May 29,2025 – Declaration of State of Local Emergency

Update: May 5, 2025 at 1500 (3:00 p.m.)

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has deactivated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) as of May 5, 2025, as all fires on the BC Wildfire map are reported as being held or under control in the region. The EOC Will be prepared to activate for the next emergency event. The PRRD will continue to monitor the fire conditions in the region and share out new information as it becomes available.

Residents are reminded that while there are no burn restrictions in place from BC Wildfire, to please practice safe fire rules. Human activity is the leading cause of spring wildfires across B.C. Please do your part to help reduce the risk of wildfire.

For more information on open fire and safe burning, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/…/fire-bans-and…/open-burning

To report signs of wildfire or violations of wildfire regulations, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free, or *5555 on a cell phone.

Update: May 2, 2025 at 1035 hours (10:35 a.m.)

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) as of May 1, 2025, to closely monitor the developing wildfire situation across the Peace region.

At this time, there are no evacuation alerts or orders in effect. The PRRD is actively tracking the wildfire events and will provide timely updates to residents as new information becomes available.

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of firefighting efforts, the PRRD urges the public to avoid areas with active wildfires. This will allow fire crews to respond safely and efficiently.

Residents are strongly encouraged to take the following preparedness measures:

• Stay Informed on Wildfire Activity: Download the official BC Wildfire Service app (available on the App store and Google Play), and utilize their online dashboard at wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/dashboard to stay up-to-date on fire locations and status.
• Check Road Conditions: Visit DriveBC.ca for the latest information on any road closures or detours that may be in place due to wildfire activity.
• Monitor Local Information Channels: Keep a close watch on the PRRD’s official website and social media channels, as well as those of your local municipality, for the most current updates and information.
• Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: Ensure you are registered to receive critical emergency notifications by subscribing to North East BC Emergency & Public Alerts at nebcalerts.com. Receiving direct alerts is the most reliable way to be notified of any potential evacuation orders or important safety information.

The PRRD is committed to keeping residents informed and safe during this time. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available. Please remain vigilant and take the recommended preparedness actions.

The burn may begin during the last two weeks of April or the first week of May, if the weather and conditions are good. The burn will cover about They’ll be burning about 50 hectares of grass to help manage the land and improve forage access, production, and quality. This burn is in partnership with The Bear Mountain Grazing Association and Peace River Forage Association.

You might see smoke from Dawson Creek, Highway 97, Bear Mountain Wind Park, and surrounding areas.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Shifting Mosaics at 250-321-2876

Notice of Planned Prescribed Fire – Bear Mountain

The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the District of Tumbler Ridge with a planned prescribed burn located within the community of Tumbler Ridge.

Prep work started on April 15th. Crews will be on site to establish control lines, assess fuel and weather conditions, and address potential hazards, such as danger trees. These steps help ensure the burn can be carried out safely and effectively.

The exact timing of the burn will depend on local weather and venting conditions and could begin as early as April 26. The burn will cover up to 2.6 hectares and aims to reduce wildfire risk, manage forest fuels, and enhance local biodiversity. It also serves as a cross-training opportunity between the BC Wildfire Service and the Tumbler Ridge Fire Department. The burn will only proceed if conditions are safe and will be closely monitored.

Smoke may be visible to residents of Tumbler Ridge and surrounding areas during and after operations.

For more detailed information, please visit the BC Wildfire Service bulletin.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact: