CASTLEGAR – Effective at 12:00 noon PDT on Thursday, September 22, 2022, the area restriction that was established around the Fry Creek wildfire (N71980) will be rescinded. Firefighting personnel no longer need to restrict public access to operate efficiently and safely in the area.
The BC Wildfire Service reminds members of the public that the Fry Creek wildfire is an active worksite and they should exercise caution at all times while travelling in the 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 Even if an area restriction has been rescinded, officials still have the authority under the Wildfire Act and its regulations to order anyone to leave the area.
Before entering any area affected by a wildfire, members of the public should be aware that significant safety hazards may be present. Trees that have been damaged by fire might be unstable and could fall down. Ash pits can be hard to detect and can remain hot long after the flames have died down.
Nearby communities can still expect to see smoke within the fire’s perimeter over the coming weeks. This is common with large wildfires, and smoke will continue to be visible until there is significant rainfall at the site.
Smoke appearing from well within the fire perimeter and burned material is common. However, smoke that rises from green, unburned fuel or from outside a fire’s perimeter should be reported immediately.
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 this link: http://ow.ly/XQx450KJKY7
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, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca or download the BC Wildfire App free for Apple and Android devices.
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Contact:
SEFC Fire Information Officer
BCWS.SEFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca
250-318-7715
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect