Kiskatinaw River Wildfire Destroys Structures as It Spreads Toward Alberta; Pocket Knife Creek Fire Expands
British Columbia, The Gulf Observer: A rapidly growing wildfire near Kelly Lake, northeast British Columbia, has destroyed multiple structures and continues to pose a significant threat as it expands eastward into Alberta, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.
The Kiskatinaw River fire, discovered two weeks ago, has now consumed nearly 216.8 square kilometres of land and prompted the evacuation of the small community of Kelly Lake, located about 60 kilometres southeast of Dawson Creek. Officials confirmed that up to seven structures, including buildings and mobile homes, have been affected by the fire.
“While crews are working tirelessly, the wildfire risk remains extremely high, making it unsafe to fully assess the damage,” said Kevin Dunbar, Executive Director of Provincial and Regional Operations at the Ministry of Emergency Management, during a press briefing.
About 60 wildfire personnel and 60 structure protection specialists from across the province are currently working to defend the area. Fire Information Officer Karley Desrosiers warned that dry conditions and strong winds are expected to make firefighting conditions even more difficult.
The fire has forced the closure of Highway 52 East in both directions between One Island Lake Road and Hiding Creek Road, according to DriveBC. On Friday, the blaze crossed into Alberta, where structure protection teams have been deployed in the County of Grande Prairie.
The Kiskatinaw fire is one of three wildfires of note in British Columbia—designated as such due to their visibility or threat to human life and infrastructure. As of Monday, 120 households across the province remain under evacuation orders, according to Emergency Preparedness Minister Kelly Greene.
Pocket Knife Creek Fire Merges, Grows Beyond 610 Square Kilometres
Further north, the Pocket Knife Creek fire—located about 150 kilometres southwest of Fort Nelson—has merged with another wildfire and now covers 610.5 square kilometres. This fire has also been designated a wildfire of note due to its escalating size and behaviour.
The Peace River Regional District has issued three evacuation orders related to the fire. A section of Highway 97 is now closed as the blaze intensifies under a wind warning in the Fort St. John zone.
Officials continue to urge residents in affected areas to follow evacuation instructions promptly and monitor updates from local authorities and the B.C. Wildfire Service.
