Area Restriction in effect for St. Mary’s River Wildfire



CASTLEGAR – The BC Wildfire Service has implemented an Area Restriction Order for the vicinity of the St. Mary’s River wildfire (N11805) which originated approximately 12 kilometres northeast of Cranbrook, B.C. This area restriction reflects the need to protect the public in areas where fire suppression activities are taking place.

This restriction is currently in effect and will remain in effect until 12:00 noon (PDT) on September 30, 2023, or until rescinded.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 where Cherry Creek crosses the LD Ranch Rd on west side of Kootenay River (Point #1 – 49° 41.278′, -115° 42.941′), then north following west side of Kootenay River along the high water mark to the junction of Hwy 93 and Hwy 95A (Point #2 – 49° 48.630′, -115° 46.126′) then following Hwy 95A South / South East to where the power line crosses Hwy 95A (Point #3 – 49° 41.610′, -115° 50.080′), then following power line South- South-East to where it crosses Wycliffe-Cherry Creek Rd (Point #4 – 49° 39.103′, -115° 51.050′), then following Wycliffe-Cherry Creek Rd East then South to the junction of Wycliffe-Cherry Creek Rd and Mission Wycliffe Rd (Point #5 – 49° 36.325′, -115° 51.791′), then follow Mission Wycliffe Rd East/ North-East to junction of Mission Wycliffe Rd and Airport Access Rd (Point #6 – 49° 36.236′, -115° 47.756′), then roughly 100m NE along Airport Access Rd (Point #7 – 49° 36.366′, -115° 47.389′), then directly North to Wycliffe Cherry Creek Rd (Point #8 – 49° 39.661′, -115° 47.413′), then West along Wycliffe Cherry Creek Rd approximately 1.5 kms (Point #9 – 49° 39.574′, -115° 48.693′), then North / Northwest to Cherry Creek (Point #10) following Cherry Creek East back to point of commencement.

For a map of the affected area click 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.

The BC Wildfire Service reminds the public that although access to a private residence is permitted, the public must stay out of active fire areas. Public interference has a direct impact on the effectiveness of fire suppression activities and poses safety risks to both the public and responders who are working to contain the fire.

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