Grande Prairie Forest Area - June 30, 2025

Wildfire situation

GBZ001 - Kiskatinaw River wildfire, evacuation alert removed 

This wildfire, which originated in British Columbia, remains classified as being held. The wildfire is estimated at 26,372 hectares and is located near the Alberta–British Columbia border, approximately 68 km west of Grande Prairie.

Over the weekend, the area experienced higher temperatures and gusty winds. Despite these challenging conditions, the wildfire did not grow beyond its existing perimeter. This is a direct result of the hard work firefighters have put in over the past several weeks to establish and reinforce containment lines.

Firefighting operations continue, with helicopters, heavy equipment, and firefighters actively working on the wildfire. One of the key challenges they continue to face is deep-burning hot spots. In many areas, the fire has burned well below the surface, requiring firefighters to dig deep into the ground to fully extinguish lingering heat and prevent flare-ups.

The BC Wildfire Service is the primary agency in command of working to contain this wildfire. Alberta Wildfire is supporting these efforts as needed. The incident management team is also working closely with the County of Grande Prairie and the Peace River Regional District to ensure a coordinated regional response.

For more information on this wildfire and others in B.C., visit the BC Wildfire Service website.

County of Grande Prairie removes evacuation alert

On June 30 at 10:30 am, the County of Grande Prairie removed it's evacuation alert for this wildfire. 

For more details, see the County of Grande Prairie website or Facebook page.

For public in the area this weekend

If you are planning to visit the area near this wildfire, please be aware that active firefighting operations are ongoing. Give firefighters plenty of space to work and slow down when driving past firefighting crews and equipment along the roadside. You may also notice increased smoke as the fire continues to burn within the established perimeter.

An Area Restriction Order remains in effect on the British Columbia side of the border to protect both public and responder safety. Please respect all signage, road closures and restricted areas.

As always, we encourage everyone in the region to stay informed. Wildfires can be unpredictable and conditions can change quickly—be prepared to adjust your plans as needed.

GWF028 - The Hamelin Creek wildfire near Moonshine Lake Provincial Park

This wildfire remains classified as out of control and is estimated at 5,557 hectares. Cooler temperatures have improved conditions on the ground, allowing firefighters, heavy equipment and helicopters to make steady progress in strengthening containment lines, and identifying and suppressing hot spots. The cause of this wildfire was determined to be lightning. 

Moonshine Lake Provincial Park will remain closed today and into Canada Day.  

Saddle Hills County evacuation alert 

A Saddle Hills County evacuation alert remains for areas near the wildfire. Residents should remain prepared to leave on short notice if conditions change. 

You can also visit the Saddle Hills County webpage or Facebook page for more information.

GWF040 - Wildfire south of Grande Prairie

Alberta Wildfire continues to respond to this wildfire, located approximately 78 km south of Grande Prairie and 19 km east of Highway 40. The wildfire is estimated at 247 hectares and is classified as being held. 

Steep terrain has made some areas difficult to access, but firefighters, heavy equipment and helicopters remain actively engaged in suppression efforts. Wildlife encounters have also posed challenges for firefighters working in this remote region, requiring extra caution and awareness on the ground.

On June 26, the Grande Prairie Forest Area welcomed a firefighting crew from New Brunswick to support wildfire suppression operations on GWF040. We are grateful for the skilled and dedicated firefighters who travel from across the country to assist in protecting our forests and communities.

Grande Prairie Forest Area statistics

Since January 1, there have been 53 wildfires in the Grande Prairie Forest Area, burning a total of 5,822 hectares.

Learn more about active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.

Canada Day Parade

We hope to see you at the Canada Day Parade in Grande Prairie on Tuesday, July 1! Alberta Forestry will be there with a festive float featuring Bertie the Beaver. Come by, give us a wave, and help us celebrate Canada’s birthday together! See the City of Grande Prairie's website for more parade info.

Choose your campfire site

In campgrounds or recreational areas, use the designated stoves, fire rings or fire pits. These are designed to keep fires from spreading and are the best choice for a safe campfire. When outside of a campground, use sites that are clear of dry grass and vegetation. Clear the site down to bare mineral soil, keep it sheltered from wind and always have water nearby in case your campfire escapes. 

When you're done, always soak it, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch. Never leave a campfire unattended. For more information, see Safe campfires: Wildfire prevention tips.

Contact info

Kassey Zatko
780-538-5327
[email protected]