Update #24: Progress Continues on Kiskatinaw River Wildfire
Update #24: Progress Continues on Kiskatinaw River Wildfire
Grande Prairie — Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 11:10 a.m. – Overnight conditions reduced fire activity, but heavy smoke limited visibility, impacting planned operations. Today, progress continues on the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire as weather conditions are expected to improve.
The size of the wildfire is 21,679 hectares. The evacuation order and alert issued by the County of Grande Prairie remain in effect.
Weather and Fire Behaviour
An inversion occurring overnight reduced fire behaviour. Late morning, the inversion is anticipated to break, bringing improved visibility by this afternoon.
Today, winds are forecast to shift to east/northeasterlies at 16-20 km/h, with gusts up to 35 km/h driving the wildfire into dense coniferous trees, potentially increasing fire activity. Conditions will be dry with relative humidities around 25 percent and temperatures around 20°C. An incoming system will keep winds coming from the east, bringing moisture.
Operations
Yesterday, bucketing helicopters and tankers dropped 450,000 litres of water per hour during peak weather conditions to suppress the wildfire.
Poor visibility and shifting winds hampered planned ignition operations yesterday. This operation will occur today if conditions become favourable.
On the northeast side of the wildfire and in the County of Grande Prairie, crews will continue working with multiple dozer groups to construct a guard. Other teams will conduct small-scale hand ignitions to remove pockets of unburnt fuel between the fire perimeter and established control lines.
Unified Command
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.
- GPREP Evacuee Support Guide: GPREP-Evacuee-Suppot-Guide-2025-1.pdf
- Crisis Resources: https://www.gprep.ca/resources-2/
- GPREP Reception Centre Services: https://www.gprep.ca/resources-2/reception-centre-services/
- 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
- BC Wildfire updates
- Alberta Wildfire updates
- For ongoing updates, visit www.gprep.ca or follow GPREP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GPREPalerts
- Check DriveBC and 511 Alberta for any road closures or detours
- Download the Voyent Alert! app or register for email, SMS, or phone alerts at https://register.voyent-alert.com
- Visit the Alberta Emergency Alert website or download the app.
- Smoke location and movement: www.firesmoke.ca
- Health concerns related to smoke exposure: Call 811 or visit Alberta Health Link website.
Donations
- Northwestern Alberta Foundation: Accepting funds in support of wildfire-impacted communities within its service area. Donate here: https://cfna.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1465
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
