Area restriction amended for Mount Bingay wildfire



CASTLEGAR – The BC Wildfire Service has amended an Area Restriction Order for the vicinity of the Mount Bingay wildfire (N12546), which originated approximately 16 kilometres northwest of Elkford.

As a result of this amendment travel is now permitted along the Elk River FSR. Entering the restricted area or any side road off the Elk River FSR remains prohibited.

This amendment takes effect immediately and will remain in effect until 12 noon (PDT) on October 15, 2023, or until rescinded.

This area restriction amendment reflects the need to ensure safe travel on resource roads for responders and the public. This amendment will allow for travel on the Elk River FSR.

Complete area restriction order details are listed below:

  • Commencing at the junction of Elk River Main FSR & Crossing Creek [50° 4.042′, -114° 55.308′]
  • Due Northeast following the powerline Right of Way to the junction of the powerline Right of Way and an unnamed road [50° 6.612′, -114° 55.378′]
  • Due Northeast to the height of land [50° 9.610′, -114° 54.824′]
  • Following the height of land Northwest [50° 13.271′, -114° 56.266′ ]
  • Due Northwest following Elk River to approx. 1.5km Northeast of Junction @ Elk River Main FSR & Forsyth Creek FSR [50° 15.365′, -114° 56.492′]
  • Due West to Quarrie Creek approx. 1km Northwest of Forsyth Creek Rec Site [50° 16.030′, -114° 58.726′]
  • Due South following the height of land to approx. 1.5 km Southwest of peak of Mt. Bingay [50° 8.437′, -115° 1.918′]
  • Due Southeast following height of land to Junction @ Crossing North FSR & Crossing Creek FSR [50° 4.622′, -114° 59.278′]
  • Due East following Crossing Creek FSR tying into point of commencement

For a map of the affected area, click here.

When traveling on resource roads, including forest service roads, safe driving practices must be adhered to at all times. Click here for the Resource Road Safety Guide.

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:

  • travelling to or from his or her principle residence that is not under an evacuation order;
  • using a highway as defined in the Transportation Act;
  • travelling as a person acting in an official capacity as defined in s.56 of the Wildfire Act; or
  • 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: http://ow.ly/3UJo50Kc3o3

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.

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:

Contact:

SEFC Fire Information Officer

BCWS.SEFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca

250-318-7715