Area Restriction implemented for Crater Creek wildfire



KAMLOOPS – The BC Wildfire Service has implemented an Area Restriction Order within the vicinity of the Crater Creek wildfire (K52125), located 18 kilometres southwest of Keremeos. This Order takes effect at 12 p.m. (noon) Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) on Aug. 26, 2023, and remains in force until the earlier of 12 p.m. (noon) PDT on Sept 8, 2023, or until the Order is rescinded.

This area restriction reflects the need to protect public and BC Wildfire Service personnel safety in areas where fire suppression activities are taking place.

Under this Order and section 11(2) of the Wildfire Act, a person must not remain in or enter the restricted area unless the person is:

(a) Travelling as a person acting in an official capacity;

(b) Travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression activities;

(c) Travelling to or from his or her principal residence, that is not under an evacuation order;

(d) Travelling to or from his or her private or leased property for the purposes of accessing his or her secondary residence or recreational property, that is not under an evacuation order;

(e) Using a highway as defined in the Highway Act; or

(f) Engaging and/or participating in agricultural activities pertaining to livestock or agriculture management on Crown Range, Crown Grazing Lease, private or leased property.

This Order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries described below and as outlined in the heavy black dashed and shaded grey line on the map located here.

North Boundary: Commencing at Point 1 (49° 22.661′, -120° 9.219’), located at the intersection of Crowsnest Highway and the west shore of the Similkameen River, follow the west shore of the Similkameen River, south to the intersection with the boundary of the CHUCHUWAYHA 2 Indian Reserve (Point 2: 49° 13.355′, -119° 57.635′). Then continue south along the CHUCHUWAYHA 2 Indian Reserve boundary until the northeast corner of the of the ASHNOLA 10 Indian Reserve boundary. Continue following the ASHNOLA 10 Indian Reserve boundary south and east to the intersection with the Keremeos Fire Department Boundary (Point 3: 49° 12.493′, -119° 54.825′). Proceed east and south following the Keremeos Fire Department Boundary to the northeast corner of NARCISSE’S FARM 4 Indian Reserve (Point 4: 49° 10.053′, -119° 46.085′).

East Boundary: Commencing at Point 4, follow the edge of the NARCISSE’S FARM 4 Indian Reserve west to the northeast corner of the RANGE 13 Indian Reserve, then continue in a counterclockwise direction along edge of the RANGE 13 Indian Reserve to the southwest corner of the NARCISSE’S FARM 4 Indian Reserve boundary. Follow the edge of the NARCISE’S FARM 4 Indian Reserve east to the Similkameen River (Point 5: 49° 5.804′, -119° 44.287’) then travel in a southernly direction along the west shore of the Similkameen River to where it intersects Chopaka Road and northern boundary of the CHOPAKA 7 & 8 Indian Reserve (Point 6: 49° 4.791′, -119° 43.228′). Proceed west and south along the edge of the CHOPAKA 7 & 8 Indian Reserve boundary to the US/Canada Border (Point 7: 49° 0.002′, -119° 44.186′).

South Boundary: Commending at Point 7, proceed in a westerly direction, along the US/Canada Border to the southwest corner of the Cathedral Provincial Park boundary (Point 8: 49° 0.015′, -120° 16.973′).

West Boundary: Commencing at Point 8, follow the Cathedral Provincial Park boundary north to where it intersects Cool Creek, just north of the Ashnola River (Point 9: 49° 8.956′, -120° 15.424′). Travel Northeast at a bearing of 10.87° for 26.35 km to the intersection of Crowsnest Highway and the west shore of the Similkameen River (Point 1).

The BC Wildfire Service would like to remind the public that while access to private residences are permitted, the public must remain out of active fire areas. Interference in these areas has a direct impact on operations and poses a safety risk to both the individual and to BC Wildfire Service personnel.

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 Kamloops Fire Centre.

People can follow the latest wildfire news:

Contact:

Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Crater Complex
778-694-9138

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