Update #27: Rain Boosts Firefighting Efforts 

Date: June 12, 2025
Location: County of Grande Prairie

Update #27: Rain Boosts Firefighting Efforts 

Grande Prairie — Thursday, June 12, 2025, 10:30a.m. – Firefighters made strong progress overnight on the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire, successfully holding containment lines and continuing clean-up operations along the perimeter. There was no new wildfire growth reported overnight. 

The wildfire remains classified as out of control and is estimated at 26,628 hectares. 

Weather and Fire Behaviour

Forecasted weather today is expected to aid firefighting efforts. A low-pressure system off the coast of B.C. is forecast to bring several days of steady precipitation to the wildfire zone. Combined with cooler temperatures ranging from 12–14°C and lighter winds of 9 km/h (gusting to 16 km/h), minimal fire behaviour is expected, and relative humidity is expected to rise to 63%, providing a valuable opportunity for suppression work. 

Drying conditions are forecast to return late Sunday and into Monday, which could result in more active fire behaviour early next week. 

Operations Update 

Overnight, crews focused on reinforcing containment and extinguishing hotspots. Strong firefighting efforts led to no new growth reported. 

Today, crews continue to make progress on containment efforts, supported by aerial resources and heavy equipment. Ignition operations in the southeast side are helping establish stronger control lines, allowing firefighters to safely and effectively manage the fire’s edge. 

On the northeast side of the fire, multiple dozer groups are completing containment guards, while crews conduct small-scale hand ignitions to eliminate areas of dense trees. These operations are essential for creating tight, secure containment lines that prevent further spread. 

On June 11, the County of Grande Prairie reduced the evacuation order and alert area following progress on the fire and improving weather. The County continues to closely monitor conditions and will update evacuation zones as needed to protect residents and responders. 

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, 10:00 am to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12.  
  • Register livestock with the County’s Livestock Emergency Response Plan (LERP): Contact the GPREP Call Centre at 780-830-5002. 

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