Update #17: Unpredictable fire behaviour expected today due to weather conditions

Date: June 8, 2025

Grande Prairie — Sunday, June 8, 2025, 10:30 a.m. – Weather will play an important factor in today’s efforts in managing and containing the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire. The County of Grande Prairie evacuation order and alert remain in place. 

Today’s hot, dry, and windy conditions are expected to result in extreme and unpredictable fire behaviour. Temperatures will reach 26°C, with humidity falling to 23 per cent. Southwest winds will increase throughout the day, gusting up to 65 km/h. 

While a cold front is forecast to pass through between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. this evening, a shift in wind direction from southwest to west may begin earlier this afternoon and could drive rapid fire spread and cause sudden changes in fire direction and intensity. 

The estimated 13,061-hectare size of the fire will be updated later today following scanning operations conducted overnight.   

Overnight, fire behaviour remained active, particularly on the northeast corner. Between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., winds from the south and southeast contributed to growth on the north side of the fire. Night vision helicopters were active through the night, continuing bucketing operations to limit spread.  

Today, Alberta Wildfire and County crews continue to work on the east side of the fire on the Alberta side with aircraft support. Structure protection personnel remain in place in the County of Grande Prairie and Kelly Lake to maintain sprinkler systems, suppress hot spots, and protect structures. 

Alberta Wildfire, the B.C. Wildfire Service, and the County of Grande Prairie are operating under unified command to coordinate efforts in managing and containing this large wildfire threatening the region. The unified command is also working closely with the Peace River Regional District to ensure a coordinated regional response. 

Whenever an evacuation order is issued, residents have 30 minutes to evacuate. Bring important documents, medication, medical devices, and prepare to be away from your home for 7 days. If you need help evacuating, contact the GPREP Call Centre at 780-830-5002. 

Alberta Evacuee Resources: 

Where to find fire updates:  

Donations: 

The next update will be provided as new information is available. 

About GPREP 

The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) brings together the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley to coordinate resources, training, and response strategies for large-scale emergencies. GPREP enhances public safety, strengthens community resilience, and delivers timely crisis information. Learn more at www.GPREP.ca and follow us on www.Facebook.com/GPREPalerts, and Twitter [X] www.x.com/gprepalerts. 

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Media contact: 
Information Officer, 
GPREP, 
587-771-0825,
IOF@gprep.ca