Following the official announcement this morning, the PRRD Emergency Operations Centre is pleased to confirm that the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire area is no longer under Evacuation Order. Residents are now cleared to return home.
Be advised:
🚨 An Evacuation Alert (#9) has been issued to reflect that some risk remains in the area, and conditions may change. Please stay prepared and monitor updates. prrd.bc.ca
BC Wildfire crews remain active, and an official BC Wildfire Area Restriction is still in place. This restriction limits public access for safety and ongoing fire suppression work. For details, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca
Community-Specific Information:
📍 One Island Lake
- No longer under Evacuation Order or Alert – Residents are clear to return
- Please contact the PRRD for information on how to access recovery resources
📍 Kelly Lake
- Evacuation Order has been lifted. The area is now under PRRD Evacuation Alert #9 and BC Wildfire Area Restriction.
- Residents are clear to return home; however must remain vigilant and prepared to evacuate should conditions change.
- BC Wildfire crews will continue working in the area
- Resources will be available at the Kelly Lake Community Centre include:
– Cleaning kits
– Food packages
– Return-home information and support
We know this has been a challenging time, and we are so pleased to welcome residents home. Please reach out if you need support—we’re here to help.
More info and resources: https://prrd.bc.ca
Before you go inside—check your home’s safety first.
Returning after a wildfire evacuation? Take time to inspect your property carefully and stay alert for hazards.
Inspect the exterior before entry
• Look for visible damage like leaning walls, broken windows, fallen trees or power lines
• Smell for gas or smoke—don’t enter if you detect anything unusual
⚠️ Do not enter if your home is unsafe
• If there are signs of structural damage, gas leaks, or live wires—stay out
• If safe, take photos from outside to document visible damage
• Call 911 immediately if there is danger (e.g. fire, gas smell, downed lines)
Report and confirm before proceeding
• Contact your utility provider or local emergency services if you have any concerns
• Don’t turn on power until it’s safe—reset your breaker cautiously
Your safety comes first. If you’re unsure, wait for professional inspection.
Re-entry checklist & safety tips:
After Wildfire – Returning Home Safely: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/wildfires/after-wildfire
First Nations Health Authority: Returning Home After Wildfires: https://www.fnha.ca/Documents/FNHA-Returning-to-Your-Home-After-Wildfires.pdf
Is your food and water safe to use after evacuation?
After more than a week away from home, it’s important to check carefully before using food, water, or appliances.
Food Safety:
Discard any food that:
• Was in a fridge or freezer without power for over 24–48 hours
• Was exposed to heat, smoke, ash, or flood water
• Has damaged packaging, broken seals, or swelling cans
👉 When in doubt, throw it out.
Water Safety (Cisterns & Wells):
If you use well water or a cistern, your water source may have been affected by wildfire, power loss, or flooding.
• Do not drink or cook with the water until it has been tested and confirmed safe
• Contact your local health authority or Environmental Health Officer for testing
• If unsure, use bottled water or boil your water for at least 1 minute
• Run all taps for several minutes once your water source is confirmed safe
• Do not use water-damaged appliances until cleared
• Reset your breaker carefully—make sure all appliances are off first
Safe Disposal:
The PRRD EOC is placing bins in the community to help with safe disposal of spoiled food. See the bin map for locations here Bin Locations Kelly Lake.
Need help replacing food?
Food banks and community providers will be visiting the Resiliency Centre to help residents replace lost food and essentials.
More info:
🔗 Food safety: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/wildfires/after-wildfire
🔗 Well water safety: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/wildfire-its-effects-drinking-water-quality
🔗 First Nations Health Authority: Returning Home After Wildfires: https://www.fnha.ca/Documents/FNHA-Returning-to-Your-Home-After-Wildfires.pdf
Getting ready to clean up after the evacuation?
Take a few important steps before you begin to protect your health and support any insurance claims.
Document First:
- Take photos of all visible damage—inside and outside your home
- Record lost or spoiled food, damaged belongings, and structural issues
- Keep receipts for cleanup supplies, repairs, and any temporary housing
- Contact your insurance provider before throwing out major damaged items
Clean Safely:
- Wear gloves, masks, and protective clothing—especially around soot or ash
- Use diluted bleach or disinfectant for hard surfaces affected by smoke or water
- Discard porous or contaminated items like pillows, carpets, or drywall
- Do not disturb fire debris until a hazardous materials assessment is completed.
- Fire-damaged properties may contain asbestos and other hazardous materials.
- If doing removal yourself, homeowners must follow WorkSafeBC safety requirements.
Need supplies?
The Red Cross will be providing free cleaning kits to help residents get started safely.
💡 Take your time—your health and your claim both matter.
Learn more:
🔗 Post-Wildfire Hazardous Materials Guidance: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/spills-and-environmental-emergencies/docs/materials/post_wildfire_hazardous_materials_guidance_local_authorities_and_first_nations.pdf
🔗 Managing Waste Asbestos by Homeowners: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/waste-management/hazardous-waste/hazardous-waste/resources/asbestos_homeowners_guide.pdf
🔗 Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos | WorkSafeBC
🔗 Insurance & Disaster Recovery: https://www.ibc.ca/news-insights/news/wildfires-in-british-columbia-insurance-information-on-additional-living-expenses-to-affected-residents
🔗 Safe Cleaning Practices: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/wildfires/after-wildfire
Emotional recovery is part of the process.
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or “off” after a disaster. Recovery isn’t just physical—it’s emotional too.
❤️ Check in with yourself, your family, and your neighbours
• Feeling unsettled or exhausted is expected
• Children, elders, and vulnerable people may show delayed stress reactions
• Keep communication open and offer reassurance
Support is available
You don’t have to carry it all alone. Mental health and cultural support services are available to help you process, heal, and rebuild.
📞 Mental Health Support Line (available 24/7): 310-6789 (no area code needed)
Mental Health – Help Starts Here: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/
HealthLink BC Mental Health Resources: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/mental-health-and-substance-use/mental-health
Support for Indigenous Communities:
• KUU-US Crisis Line – 24/7 Indigenous Support: https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com/
• First Nations Health Authority Wildfire Info: https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/environmental-health/wildfire-information
You’re not alone. Support is here—reach out when you’re ready.
Kelly Lake Community Bins – For Spoiled Food & Damaged Household Items
As cleanup begins in Kelly Lake, community waste bins are being placed throughout the area to support safe and efficient disposal.
✅ What you CAN put in the bins:
• Spoiled food waste – please prioritise this first
• Household items damaged by smoke
🚫 What is NOT permitted in these bins:
• Appliances (including fridges and freezers)
• Construction materials or debris
• Ash, metal, or any materials from fire-damaged structures
⚠️ Improper use of these bins may delay community cleanup efforts and cause serious health or environmental risks. Once full, bins will be removed and will not be replaced—please dispose of spoiled food first.
Need to dispose of appliances (fridges, freezers etc)?
- Disposal is at the homeowner’s discretion
- Appliance replacement is the responsibility of the homeowner and their insurance provider
- Appliances should ONLY be disposed of at local transfer stations – from Friday 20th
Fire-damaged materials or demolition waste from homes built before 1990 may contain asbestos. These materials must not go into community bins. Improper handling can release dangerous fibres into the air.
Learn more about safe asbestos disposal and health risks:
🔗 Asbestos Homeowner Guide (BC): https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/waste-management/hazardous-waste/hazardous-waste/resources/asbestos_homeowners_guide.pdf
For more returning-home guidance:
🔗 Returning Home Safety Tips: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/wildfires/after-wildfire
🔗 FNHA Guide: https://www.fnha.ca/Documents/FNHA-Returning-to-Your-Home-After-Wildfires.pdf
📍 Please follow posted signage at bin sites and only place approved items inside. Thank you for helping us keep the community safe during this recovery.
Kiskatinaw River Wildfire – Resiliency Centre in Kelly Lake
The Peace River Regional District Emergency Operations Centre is opening a Resiliency Centre to support residents impacted by the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire.
📍 Location: Kelly Lake Community Centre
📅 Date: From Wednesday, June 18 – until further notice
Available supports include:
- Food donations and grocery replacements
- Cleaning kits from the Canadian Red Cross
- Returning Home Information Packets with safety tips, cleanup advice, and local resources
- Community connection and recovery support
Whether you need supplies, guidance, or just someone to talk to—this space is for you.
Please share this info with anyone in the area.
More details: https://prrd.bc.ca
