CASTLEGAR – The BC Wildfire Service has implemented an Area Restriction Orderfor the vicinity of the Connell Ridge wildfire (N10989), which is located approximately 15 kilometres south of Cranbrook, B.C. This area restriction reflects the continued need to protect the public in areas where ongoing fire suppression activities are taking place.
This restriction is currently in effect and will remain in effect until 12 p.m. (noon) PDT on October 15, 2022, or until it is otherwise rescinded. The order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries described below:
Commencing in the north at the junction of Gold Gravel Pit Road and East Kootenay SA, west and south along Baker West Road to Gold/Joseph Connector, continuing south on Gold Creek Watershed road and Gold Creek Main, southwest along the height of land to Teepee Creek Main, continuing northeast on Teepee Main to Gold Creek, northwest to the point of commencement along Gold Creek.
NOTE: Travel is restricted on the Gold Creek FSR and Teepee FSR within the boundaries of the area restriction.
A map of the affected area is available online: http://ow.ly/6g9L50Kc3Fw
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:
- First receives written authorization of an official designated for the purposes of the Wildfire Act, or
- 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.
Follow the latest wildfire news:
- on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
- on Twitter
- on Facebook
Contact:
Fire Information Officer
Southeast Fire Centre
BCWS.SEFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca
250 318-7715