The BC Wildfire Service has increased the area of the Area Restriction Order for the vicinity of the Dewar Creek wildfire, about 36 km northwest of Kimberley.

The increased area restriction reflects the continued need to protect the public in areas where ongoing fire suppression activities are taking place and to avoid interference with fire control.

The lightning-caused fire discovered July 16 has now grown to 152 hectares and remains out-of-control.

This order is currently in effect and will remain in effect until noon (PDT) on October 15, or until rescinded.

The order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries described below and outlined in the correlated map: Dewar Creek wildfire (N11960).

• Commencing at 49 km Dewar FSR. Following along the height of land to Mt Patrick. North to the St Mary’s Alpine Park boundary.
• Follow the parks boundary northwest then north till the boundary turns west towards Wesley Creek.
• The restriction continues west along the park boundary until the height of land east of the St Mary’s River.
• It then turns south along the height of land until Armour Peak, south from Armour Peak following the height of land to Mt Rice along the height of land east back to the point of commencement at 49km Dewar FSR.

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 theWildfire 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;

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

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

(4)   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, or visit: https://ow.ly/k5jT50Fvlk3

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

e-KNOW

Article Share