The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Matthew Creek wildfire (N11020), part of the Bootleg Complex.

This wildfire is estimated to be 869 hectares and is located in the Matthew Creek area, approximately 10 km west of the City of Kimberley.

In the interest of public and responder safety, this area restriction takes effect at 1 p.m. Mountain Time on July 23 and remains in place until the earlier of 1 p.m. Mountain Time on October 15, or until the Order is rescinded.

This Order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries described below and as outlined on the above map.

This Order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries described below:

• Beginning at the intersection of Matthew Creek and St. Mary Lake Road (001;)
• Then east along the north side of St. Mary Lake Road to Matthew Creek FSR (002);
• Follow the east side of Matthew Creek FSR north to Mark Creek FSR (003);
• Then follow the east side of Mark Creek FSR north for approximately 8.25 km;
• Continue north along the east side of Mark Creek North Spur to the Mark Creek bridge crossing;
• From the bridge, follow the North Fork of Mark Creek to the height of land east of Mount Buhl (004);
• Then along the height of land west to Mount Lindsay (005);
• Southwest to Boulder Peak (006);
• And south to Pyramid Mountain (007);
• Continue east across Murphy Pass along the height of land to Bootleg Mountain. (008);
• From Bootleg Mountain, follow the drainage east along the north boundary of the Bootleg Mountain Recreation Site to Matthew Creek, (009);
• Then follow Matthew Creek downstream south to the point of commencement.

Note: Travel is permitted on St. Mary Lake Road. Entering into the restricted area off St Mary Lake Road is prohibited.

Travel is NOT permitted on Matthew Creek FSR and Mark Creek FSR.

A detailed map of the affected area is available here.

Under this Order and section 11(2) of the Wildfire Act, a person must not remain in or enter the restricted area without the prior written authorization of an official designated for the purposes of the Wildfire Act, unless the person:

Enters the area only in the course of:

1. Travelling to or from his or her principal residence, that is not under evacuation an order;
2. Using a highway as defined in theTransportation Act;
3. Travelling as a person acting in an official capacity as defined in s.56 of the Wildfire Act;
4. Travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression or enforcement patrol activities.

Failure to comply with Section 11 restricted area requirements may result in a violation ticket for $1,150.

Road closures and area restrictions are subject to change depending on fire activity. For the most current information please visit the fire prohibitions and restrictions section of the BC Wildfire website for the Southeast Fire Centre.

Southeast Fire Centre

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