Update #19: Aggressive Fire Behaviour Due to Changing Weather

Date: June 8, 2025

Update #19: Aggressive Fire Behaviour Due to Changing Weather 

Grande Prairie — Sunday, June 8, 2025, 10:37 p.m. – Weather-caused extreme fire behaviour has taken a toll on today’s efforts to manage and contain the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire. The County of Grande Prairie expanded its evacuation order and alert earlier today. 

Evacuees in the expanded area were asked to leave immediately and report to the reception centre at the Hythe Community Library at 10013 100 Street. The reception centre will remain open until midnight tonight and will reopen tomorrow from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm daily until further notice.  

The wildfire is estimated at 13,442 hectares. Aggressive fire behaviour began early this morning and intensified throughout the day, driven by strong west-southwest winds and the arrival of a cold front. 

Growth was primarily wind-driven, but direct sunlight further increased fire intensity once cloud cover cleared. On the south flank, fire behaviour was more moderate through most of the day as convection within the centre of the fire pulled activity northward, which helped to limit growth to the south. This evening, the southeast finger of the wildfire grew rapidly and crossed into Alberta. The northern section had already entered Alberta days ago, making this the second point of border crossing. 

Crews and structure protection personnel continue working in Kelly Lake and the County of Grande Prairie to protect homes and critical infrastructure. Heavy equipment is constructing additional lines overnight. Winds will remain strong through the night, with poor humidity recovery expected to keep fire behaviour elevated.  

Tomorrow will be another challenging day, as winds remain elevated, and conditions remain dry.   

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 which remains classified as out of control. The unified command is also working closely with the Peace River Regional District to ensure a coordinated regional response. 

Alberta Evacuee Resources: 

  • GPREP Call Centre: Call 780-830-5002, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
  • Register livestock with the County’s Livestock Emergency Response Plan (LERP): Contact the GPREP Call Centre at 780-830-5002 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

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