Area restriction amended for Matthew Creek area



CASTLEGAR – The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Matthew Creek wildfire (N11020) in the Matthew Creek area. This wildfire is estimated to be 1,826 hectares and is located approximately 10km west of the City of Kimberley.

The recent downturn in weather has bolstered weeks of hard work by firefighters, heavy equipment and aerial resources. As a result of these efforts combined with the more favourable weather conditions over the last few days, fire activity has been reduced.

To reflect changing conditions, the BC Wildfire Service is reducing the area restriction on the Matthew Creek wildfire (N11020) effective September 3, 2026, at 12 p.m. (noon) PT. While the area restriction is being reduced in size, the need to protect public in areas of this wildfire continues. This restriction will remain in place until October 31, 2026, or until otherwise rescinded.

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

  1. Commencing approximately 4.7 km up Matthew Creek FSR where Mark Creek FSR branches off at Point #1 (49° 40.014′, -116° 4.400′)
  2. Keep left to follow Matthew Creek FSR for approximately 10.9 km to where Matthew Creek FSR ends at Point #2 (49° 44.471′, -116° 8.875′)
  3. Head west on a bearing of 289 degrees for 2.4 km to the unnamed peak at Point #3 (49° 44.894′, -116° 10.779′)
  4. Follow the ridgeline west to the unnamed peak at Point #4 (49° 45.306′, -116° 12.996′)
  5. Follow the ridgeline southwest to the unnamed peak at Point #5 (49° 43.576′, -116° 14.953′)
  6. Head South on a bearing of 169 degrees for 5.4 km to the peak at Point #6 (49° 40.735′, -116° 14.133′)
  7. Follow the ridgeline Southeast to the peak of Bootleg Mountain Point #7 (49° 39.049′, -116° 10.476′)
  8. From Bootleg Mountain, follow the drainage East along the north boundary of the Bootleg Mountain Recreation Site to the confluence of the unnamed creek and Matthew Creek at Point #8 (49° 40.208′, -116° 5.031′)
  9. Follow Matthew Creek South to a point below the point of commencement at Point #9 (49° 39.888′, -116° 4.660′)
  10. Take a bearing of 53 degrees for 0.4km to the Northeast to return to the point of commencement

Note: Travel is NOT permitted on the Matthew Creek FSR.

A detailed map of the affected area is available online and below:

26 N11020 MAP AreaRestriction Public 8.5x11P Sep 02Download

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 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
  4. Travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression or enforcement patrol activities

Offenses and fines

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 Service 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.

Report a wildfire

The Southeast Fire Centre would like to thank the public for its continuing help in preventing wildfires.

You can report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation by:

  • Dialing *5555 on a cell phone
  • Calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free
  • Reporting through the BC Wildfire App Report a fire function
    • Reporting through the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.

Stay up to date with the latest wildfire news on:

Contact:

Fire Information Team
BC Wildfire Service
Southeast Fire Centre
250 318-7715

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect