Area restriction in effect for Schofield Creek



CASTLEGAR – The BC Wildfire Service has implemented an Area Restriction Order for the vicinity of the Schofield Creek wildfire (N22508), which originated approximately 45 kilometres east of Invermere. This area restriction reflects the need to protect the public in areas where fire suppression activities are taking place.

This restriction takes effect immediately and will remain in effect until noon (PDT) on October 15, 2023, or until rescinded. The order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries described below and outlined in the provided map.

Area Restriction Order details:

  • Commencing at the Junction of Palliser River FSR and SEC 15 [50° 30.571′, -115° 24.429′],
  • Following Palliser River FSR Northeast to the Junction of Palliser River FSR and Palliser Re-Alignment [50° 32.467′, -115° 18.768′],
  • Southeast following the height of land to [50° 29.066′, -115° 17.134′],
  • West following the height of land to Temperance peak [50° 28.918′, -115° 20.104′],
  • Southwest to the SEC 1 road [50° 28.297′, -115° 22.564′],
  • Northwest along SEC 1 and to the bottom of the switchback of SEC 15[50° 29.210′, -115° 23.319′],
  • Northwest along SEC 15 to the point of commencement at the Junction of the Palliser River FSR and SEC 15

For a map of the affected area, visit here.

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:

1) First receives written authorization of an official designated for the purposes of the

Wildfire Act, or

2) 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.

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:

Contact:

SEFC Fire Information Officer

BCWS.SEFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca

250-318-7715