Canada wildfires: Out of control wildfire explodes across BC-Alberta border, forcing families to flee in terror

An out-of-control wildfire near the BC-Alberta border is threatening homes, lives, and critical infrastructure, forcing urgent evacuations in northeastern British Columbia.

The Kiskatinaw River fire, located south of Dawson Creek, has grown rapidly to approximately 4,590 hectares and poses an immediate risk to public safety, according to the province’s emergency information service.

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) issued an evacuation order for areas around Kelly Lake, as well as communities north of Campbell Lake, west of Tent Lake, south of Twin Lakes, and extending east to the Alberta border. Residents are being directed to evacuate immediately to Dawson Creek.


Also Read: Manitoba wildfires force mass evacuations

The fire, discovered Wednesday(May 28), is believed to be human-caused, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

The blaze is burning near Highway 52 East, also known as the Heritage Highway, which remains partially closed. Argo Road Maintenance, the provincial contractor for the area, confirmed the closure on Thursday afternoon (May 29).

Red flag watch in Alberta

Dangerous weather conditions worsen the situation. Alberta Wildfire has issued a rare “red flag watch”, alerting the public to high winds, extreme dryness, and the potential for dry lightning, conditions that can ignite and rapidly spread fires.

"We have strategically positioned crews and resources in the northeast to be prepared for intensifying conditions in areas where we already have fire on the landscape," the BC Wildfire Service said in a Friday update.

For residents, the fire has disrupted life overnight. “We saw the smoke coming fast and then we got the order. It was terrifying,” said one evacuee from Kelly Lake who asked not to be named. “We just grabbed what we could and left.”

First responders and volunteers are coordinating efforts in Dawson Creek to support those displaced, setting up emergency shelters and distributing supplies.

As of Friday morning(May 31), 77 percent of wildfires in BC this year have been started by lightning, 18 percent by human activity, and 5 percent remain under investigation.

With wind conditions expected to worsen into the weekend, officials are urging residents to stay alert, obey evacuation orders, and monitor trusted emergency channels for updates.