Kiskatinaw River fire situations stabilize after weekend rainfall

DAWSON CREEK — The BC Wildfire Service says the Kiskatinaw River fire in the province’s northeast has stabilized thanks to rain over the weekend.

BC Wildfire Service fire behaviour analyst Neal McLoughlin says in a video post on Sunday that a low-pressure system had moved into the region, bringing cloudy skies and soaking rain, with 10 millimetres of rainfall on Saturday and another 12 millimetres on Sunday.

McLoughlin says the change in weather has helped reduce fire activity for the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire, located nearly 60 kilometres southeast of Dawson Creek, B.C.

The BC Wildfire Service says the fire is now measured at more than 266 square kilometres in size and is considered an out-of-control wildfire of note.

McLoughlin warns that northeastern B.C. has experienced years of drought, and while the rain improves firefighting conditions, the landscape is still receptive to fire.

Multiple evacuation orders and alerts issued by the Peace River Regional District due to the Kiskatinaw River wildfire are still remain in effect.

The Dryden Creek wildfire near Squamish, B.C., was declared as being held on Saturday as officials reported the rain helped improve fire conditions.

The District of Squamish says that wildfire has held steady at 0.6 square kilometres in size since Friday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2025.