Smoke from a wildfire hangs over Highway 97, north of Buckinghorse River, B.C., on Friday, May 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS
The Pocket Knife Creek wildfire in northeast British Columbia has joined with another fire. This merge made the wildfire much bigger. Now, the fire covers over 610 square kilometres. Officials call it an out-of-control wildfire that needs close attention.
Evacuation Order Issued for Nearby Areas
The Peace River Regional District warned people that the fire threatens their safety. On Sunday, they ordered people to leave the area about nine kilometres west of the Buckinghorse River. This includes the region near Redfern Trail and down to Redfern Lake. The danger is very serious and immediate.
Other Fires Also Cause Concern
Earlier, the Peace River Regional District made evacuation orders because of another wildfire near the B.C.-Alberta border. This fire, called the Kiskatinaw River wildfire, is about 130 square kilometres in size and also hard to control.
The third major wildfire is the Summit Lake wildfire. It is smaller but still growing. It covers around 106 square kilometres now. Warm weather and winds may help this fire spread more.
Fire Service Warns of Extreme Fire Risks
The BC Wildfire Service spoke to the media last Friday. They said the fires could behave in extreme ways over the weekend. Strong winds could push flames from the Kiskatinaw River wildfire closer to Kelly Lake. Kelly Lake is a small community about 80 kilometres south of Dawson Creek. This poses a serious risk to people living there.
Ongoing Efforts to Control the Fires
Firefighters are working hard to stop these fires from spreading. But weather conditions like wind and heat make their work difficult. Officials continue to monitor the fires and update residents with new information.
Safety Remains Top Priority
People living near these wildfires should follow evacuation orders and stay safe. The situation can change quickly, and it’s important to be ready to move if asked.
