Area restriction in effect for the Howser Ridge 3 area



CASTLEGAR – The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Howser Ridge 3 wildfire (N71144), located about 12 km northwest of the village of Meadow Creek, and about 1.5 km north Highway 31. The size is estimated to be 392 hectares.

In the interest of public and responder safety, an area restriction is now in effect within the Howser Ridge area:

  • Commencing at the junction of Hwy 31 & Howser Station Road @ Point 1[50° 18.167′, -116° 58.195′],
  • following Howser Station Road tying into the junction of Howser Station Road & Howser Ridge FSR @ Point 2 [50° 18.205′, -116° 57.428′].
  • Continuing Northeast and tying into the Duncan Lake shoreline @ Point 3 [50° 18.440′, -116° 56.571′],
  • following the Duncan Lake shoreline North to the mouth of Gallop Creek Point 4 @ [50° 24.570′, -116° 58.581′].
  • Turning Northwest and tying into Lake Creek @ Point 5 [50° 26.892′, -117° 2.572′],
  • continuing Southwest following Lake Creek to the mouth of Lake Creek on the Lardeau River Point 6 @ [50° 24.820′, -117° 6.648′].
  • Following the Lardeau River Southeast and tying into the point of commencement at the junction of Hwy 31 & Howser Station Road @ Point 1 [50° 18.167′, -116° 58.195′].

Note: Travel along Highway 31 is permitted. Access to the Howser Rec site is permitted.

A map of the affected area can be found online and below.

24_n71144_map_arearestriction_public_85x11p_jul24Download

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:
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:
(a) travelling to or from his or her primary residence, that is not under an evacuation order;
(b) using a highway as defined in the Transportation Act;
(c) travelling as a person acting in an official capacity as defined in s.56 of the Wildfire Act; or
(d) travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression or enforcement patrol activities.

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.

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, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca or download the BC Wildfire App free for Apple and Android devices.

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Contact:
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Southeast Fire Centre
250-318-7715

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