Area Restriction for Northeast wildfires rescinded



PRINCE GEORGE – Effective at 12:00 (noon) on Thursday, August 29, 2024, the Area Restriction Order for wildfires in the northeast of the province is rescinded. While response is ongoing, firefighting personnel no longer need to restrict public access on an ongoing basis to operate efficiently and safely in that area.

Even if an Area Restriction has been rescinded, officials still have the authority under the Wildfire Act and its regulations to order anyone to leave the area and, if required, may reinstate an Area Restriction if conditions change. These and other wildfires in the Fort Nelson zone and across the Prince George Fire Centre remain active and, with an increase in wind or prolonged drying periods, there is potential for a rapid increase in fire behaviour.

The BC Wildfire Service reminds the public and anyone out recreating that caution must be exercised at all times when travelling in or through areas impacted by wildfire. It is imperative that members of the public and those utilizing the area for recreational purposes are aware that significant safety hazards may be present, including:

  • Danger trees (fire-damaged trees that have become unstable and could fall over without warning)
  • Ash pits (which may be hard to detect and can remain hot long after the flames have died down)
  • Unstable soils and terrain
  • Increased potential for landslides or rock falls
  • Damaged trails or irregular trail surfaces
  • Increased water runoff (which could lead to flooding or debris flows)
  • Damaged fencing (which could allow livestock to enter roadways)

In areas that have been severely burned, post-wildfire risks may last for two years or more. However, the increased risk of floods or debris flows in severely burned areas may persist much longer. This is especially true for areas in the northeast of the province following two years of persistent, deep drought and a considerable portion of the region experiencing ongoing wildfire over that same time.

Those in the area can also expect to see smouldering ground fires and smoke within the perimeters of existing wildfires over the coming weeks. This is common with large wildfires and may continue for some time.

If smoke is rising from well within a fire’s perimeter and the area is surrounded by black, burned material, this is typically not a concern; however, smoke rising from green, unburnt fuel or from outside a fire’s perimeter should be reported immediately.

Be safe this fall and always report smoke, wildfire and unattended campfires

The public is one of our greatest resources when it comes to reporting wildfires. Approximately 40 per cent of wildfires are reported by members of the public. There are a number of ways to report:

  • Call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free
  • Call *5555 from a cell phone
  • Submit directly through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app

Make a plan before you go, and check for:

And stay up-to-date on the latest BC Wildfire news on:

Contact:
Prince George Fire Centre Information Team
BC Wildfire Service | Ministry of Forests
250-561-4629

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