Update #36: Kiskatinaw Wildfire Now Being Held; Evacuation Alert Cancelled

Update #36: Kiskatinaw Wildfire Now Being Held; Evacuation Alert Cancelled

Thursday, June 19, 2025, 3:20 p.m. –   Fire activity on the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire has continued to decrease, and the wildfire is now classified as Being Held, meaning it is not expected to spread beyond its current boundaries. As a result, the evacuation alert issued for residents north of Township Road 710 to 740, east of the British Columbia/Alberta border to Range Road 132 has been cancelled. 

With the fire no longer posing a significant threat to public safety or critical infrastructure, it is no longer considered a Wildfire of Note. 

The Kiskatinaw River Wildfire has now reached a total size of 26,324 hectares. 

A Fire Restriction remains in place for the entire County of Grande Prairie. Residents are urged to adhere to the Fire Restriction which was issued on Tuesday, June 17 due to improved weather conditions and recent precipitation in the region.  

For details, visit countygp.ab.ca/fireban and stay tuned for further updates. 

Weather and Fire Behaviour  

Cooler temperatures and increased humidity continue to support firefighting efforts. While a low-intensity surface fire may occur in sheltered areas that received limited rainfall, no significant fire behaviour is expected. Widespread showers and potential thunderstorms are anticipated throughout the day, which should help suppress any remaining surface fire. Winds will remain light and variable, though gusty conditions may develop near storms. 

Operations Update  

Crews are continuing to extinguish hotspots in the Kelly Lake area using infrared scanning. Direct attack efforts are ongoing from Campbell Lake to the Alberta border, with hose-lay being established along existing guard lines. Danger tree specialists are clearing access routes and assisting with tree falling operations. 

Heavy equipment has completed containment guard work along the southern edge of the fire. The southwest portion has been scanned and patrolled, and crews remain in the area to address any hotspots. A rehabilitation specialist is assessing areas where guard lines are no longer needed. 

In effect as of 7:00 a.m. PDT on June 18, BC Wildfire issued an Area Restriction Order to protect public safety in areas with ongoing suppression activity. The restriction remains in place until October 15, 2025, or until rescinded.  

Traffic Advisory 

Highway 52 East is now open, and all public roads in the area are currently accessible. Please check DriveBC for the most current road conditions. For information about evacuation alerts or orders, visit the Peace River Regional District or the County of Grande Prairie websites. 

Where to find fire updates   

• BC Wildfire updates  

• Alberta Wildfire updates  

• Check DriveBC and 511 Alberta for any road closures or detours  

• Download the Voyent Alert! app or register for email, SMS, or phone alerts at https://register.voyent-alert.com   

• Visit the Alberta Emergency Alert website or download the app.  

• Smoke location and movement: www.firesmoke.ca   

• Health concerns related to smoke exposure: Call 811 or visit Alberta Health Link website.  

- 30 -

Media Contact:  
Communications & Marketing 
780-532-9722 
Communications@countygp.ab.ca