The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has implemented an Area Restriction Order for the vicinity of the Bill Nye Mountain wildfire burning southeast of Wasa.

This area restriction reflects the continued need to protect the public in areas where ongoing fire suppression activities are taking place.

This order is currently in effect and will remain in effect until 12:00 noon (PDT) on September 15, 2021, or until rescinded. The order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries described in the correlated map.

BCWS today reports efforts to construct a guard along the west flank of the fire are progressing well.

“Ground crews continue to prepare control lines along the base of the slope and up the slopes as far as possible due to steep, unstable terrain. Water delivery systems are being installed in advance of a planned ignition, scheduled to take place as early as Sunday, July 25. Planned ignitions remove fuel in the fire’s path to slow growth and limit spread and only proceed if conditions are suitable. Safety is always the top priority. Smoke will likely be visible from Cranbrook, Kimberley and to motorists travelling along Highway 93/95,” BCWS said.

The fire is an estimated 1,107 hectares.

The Bill Nye Mountain wildfire area restriction:

It starts at the junction of the Wildhorse and Brewery Creek roads and uses the Wildhorse FSR as the eastern boundary.

Then continues up the Wildhorse FSR till 23km.

The boundary turns NW and follows the height of land and continues to Mt. Stevens.

From Mt. Stevens, the boundary turns SW and follows the high of land until the Lazy Lake Road (it excludes the private properties along the Lazy Lake Road).

• It follows the west side of Lazy Lake Road to 0.3km past the Grundy Road.
• It turns south to Saugum Lake and follows the east side of the lake and the east side of the property on Saugum Creek till it hits Holmes Road.
• It follows north side of Holmes Road till just past the Lakit Creek FSR.
• It excludes the private land east of the FSR and then turns east till it hits the Brewery Creek Road (1.5km).
• It then turns south and ties back into the Wildhorse FSR.
• NOTE: Travel on the Wildhorse is not restricted.

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:

1) First receives written authorization of an official designated for the purposes of the Wildfire Act, or

2) Enters the area only in the course of:

(a)  travelling to or from his or her principle residence that is not under an evacuation order;

(b)  using a highway as defined in the Transportation Act;

(c)   travelling as a person acting in an official capacity as defined in s.56 of the Wildfire Act; or

(d)   travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression or enforcement patrol activities.

This Order is subject to and subordinate to any applicable evacuation orders made under the Emergency Program Act.

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

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

The Southeast Fire Centre extends from the U.S. border in the south to Mica Dam in the north, and from the Okanagan Highlands and Monashee Mountains in the west, to the B.C.-Alberta border in the east.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll- free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: www.bcwildfire.ca or download the BC Wildfire Service public mobile app.

BC Wildfire Service

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