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Kelly Lake Wildfire Quadruples to 46 km², Threatening Gas Plant and Highway 52

Crews are bracing for strong winds, dry lightning or weekend thunderstorms that could worsen the blaze

The Kiskatinaw River wildfire burns south of Dawson Creek, B.C., in this Wednesday, May 28, 2025, handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, B.C. Wildfire Service *MANDATORY CREDIT*
Photo posted to X of the Kiskatinaw River wildfire, located ten kilometres southwest of Kelly Lake.

Overview

  • The Kiskatinaw River fire, believed to be human-caused and discovered Wednesday, expanded from 11 km² to about 46 km² by Friday.
  • Peace River Regional District issued evacuation orders for roughly 75 residents of Kelly Lake and nearby areas, directing them to Dawson Creek’s emergency reception centre.
  • Smoke and flames near the Pembina Steeprock gas processing facility forced the closure of Highway 52E in both directions.
  • BC Wildfire Service has deployed ground crews, helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment to tackle aggressive fire behaviour.
  • Forecasts of high winds, dry lightning and weekend thunderstorms have driven strategic positioning of resources to prepare for intensifying conditions.