Most recent information here.
Update 1: Added information on travel through fire zone.
Update 2: June 7, 19:00.
In just over 24 hours, the West Kiskatinaw Fire has grown to nearly 10,000 ha, leading to the Peace River Regional District issuing an Evacuation Order.
The West Kiskatinaw River Evacuation Order #1 includes the following areas:
- Along Highway 52 between km 220 (Cut Bank Dam) and km 195
- West from km 195 of Highway 52 to a point beyond PDR 286
- From that point running North on the West side of Noel Road, crossing the Hour Glass Road, and continuing due North to the point of intersection with the West Kiskatinaw River;
- East from that point following the West Kiskatinaw River and the Kiskatinaw River to Highway 52 at km 220
This includes One Island Lake.
This is not an alert, but an order, as conditions are expected to worsen tomorrow, and the fire is expected to grow. Anyone under the age of 19 is required to evacuate by law. Industry and other area users should shut down operations and evacuate the area immediately.
The PRRD has issued an alert for areas east of this area, including Kelly Lake. The alert includes:
- From One Island Lake Bridge North 10 KMs
- Due East to the Alberta border, including 187 road
- South along the BC/Alberta border to a point that is due east of the Kiskatinaw Forestry Service Road
- From the Kiskatinaw Forestry Service Road on the west side of Highway 52 E north to Cutbank Creek dam west following the Kiskatinaw River to the One Island Lake Bridge.
According to the PRRD, it also means that travel through this area is prohibited. Anyone hoping to go to Grande Prairie should go via Hiding Creek or via Dawson and avoid the Noel.
Currently, there are four initial attack crews and one unit crew working on the ground, and two helicopters providing air attack on the fire. The fire remains out of control.
The rain predicted for Friday has been pushed back to Tuesday of next week. Temperatures are expected to remain in the high 20s until then.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
