Area restriction for the Mia Creek wildfire rescinded



CASTLEGAR– Effective at noon (PDT) on Friday, September 22, 2023, the area restriction that was established around the Mia Creek wildfire (N22240) will be rescinded. The Mia Creek wildfire is approximately 17 kilometres northeast of Canal Flats. As the fire behaviour and activity has decreased, 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 Mia Creek wildfire is an active worksite, and they should always exercise caution 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 Even if an area restriction has been rescinded, officials still have the authority under the Wildfire Act and its regulations to order anyone to leave the area.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. 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. Smoke appearing from 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.

Reminder that to safely travel on resource roads (ie. Forest Service Roads), there are rules that must be followed. Resource roads are not built to the same standards as highways. Ground crews will be continuing to use resource roads in the area for suppression activity and users must exercise caution. Review the resource road user safety guide: http://ow.ly/xRHY50FWsQV

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/vKVc30rPLjz

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 cell phone. 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