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Structures lost in Kiskatinaw River blaze, officials say, as wildfire threat increases in northeast B.C.

CBC News
Lauren Vanderdeen
CBC NORTHERN B.C.B.C. Wildfires 2025Kiskatinaw River wildfirePocket Knife Creek wildfireSummit Lake wildfireBritish ColumbiaKelly LakeB.C. Wildfire ServiceFiresWildfiresSummitsEnvironment

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Rapidly growing wildfires in northeast British Columbia, including the Kiskatinaw River fire, Pocket Knife Creek fire, and Summit Lake fire, are causing significant destruction and forcing evacuations. The Kiskatinaw River fire has destroyed several structures in Kelly Lake and expanded into Alberta, growing to almost 216.8 square kilometres. The Pocket Knife Creek fire has ballooned to 610.5 square kilometres after merging with another blaze, and the Summit Lake fire has reached 106.67 square kilometres. Dry, windy conditions are exacerbating the situation, leading to highway closures and ongoing evacuation orders affecting 120 households across B.C. The B.C. Wildfire Service and other fire departments are actively working to contain the blazes and protect communities.

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  1. 1 Two weeks ago: Kiskatinaw River fire discovered
  2. 2 Friday: Kiskatinaw River fire crossed the border into Alberta
  3. 3 Monday: News conference on wildfire situation confirms structures lost; 120 households on evacuation order; cold front moves into region; extreme fire behaviour expected.
  • Destruction of several structures (up to seven buildings and mobile homes) in Kelly Lake
  • Evacuation orders for Kelly Lake, Peace River Regional District, and Tetsa River area (affecting 120 households)
  • Closure of Highway 52 East and Highway 97
  • Increased wildfire risk and anticipated significant growth
  • Kiskatinaw River fire crossing the border into Alberta
What: Multiple rapidly growing wildfires, including the Kiskatinaw River fire, Pocket Knife Creek fire, and Summit Lake fire, are burning out of control in northeast B.C. The Kiskatinaw River fire has destroyed structures and crossed into Alberta. The Pocket Knife Creek fire merged with another blaze, significantly increasing its size. All three are designated 'wildfires of note' due to their visibility or risk to human life/infrastructure. Evacuation orders are in effect, and highways are closed.
When: The Kiskatinaw River fire was discovered two weeks ago. As of Monday (June 9, 2025) afternoon, the situation is ongoing, with expectations for continued challenging conditions and significant growth on Monday.
Where: Northeast British Columbia, specifically Kelly Lake (60 kilometres southeast of Dawson Creek), Fort Nelson, Fort St. John zone, and the Tetsa River area. The Kiskatinaw River fire has also spread into Alberta, specifically the county of Grande Prairie. Affected highways include Highway 52 East and Highway 97.
Why: The wildfires are growing rapidly due to persistent warm, dry weather and strong, elevated winds. A cold front moving into the region is expected to increase fire behaviour. The Pocket Knife Creek fire's substantial growth is attributed to its merger with another blaze.
How: The fires are spreading quickly, leading to the destruction of structures, forced evacuations, and closures of major highways. The B.C. Wildfire Service, along with structure protection personnel from various fire departments, are deploying resources to defend communities. Emergency Preparedness Minister Kelly Greene is monitoring the situation, and DriveBC is reporting road closures.

People

Karley DesrosiersKevin DunbarKelly Greene

Organizations

CBC NewsB.C. Wildfire ServiceMinistry of Emergency ManagementDriveBCPeace River Regional DistrictNorthern Rockies Regional Municipality

Locations

Kiskatinaw RiverPocket Knife CreekSummit LakeOne Island Lake RoadHiding Creek RoadTetsa River

Locations

Canada Kelly LakeDawson CreekFort NelsonFort St. JohnGrande Prairie

Rapidly growing wildfires in northeast British Columbia, including the Kiskatinaw River fire, Pocket Knife Creek fire, and Summit Lake fire, are causing significant destruction and forcing evacuations. The Kiskatinaw River fire has destroyed several structures in Kelly Lake and expanded into Alberta, growing to almost 216.8 square kilometres. The Pocket Knife Creek fire has ballooned to 610.5 square kilometres after merging with another blaze, and the Summit Lake fire has reached 106.67 square kilometres. Dry, windy conditions are exacerbating the situation, leading to highway closures and ongoing evacuation orders affecting 120 households across B.C. The B.C. Wildfire Service and other fire departments are actively working to contain the blazes and protect communities.