Area restriction reduced for Mia Creek wildfire



CASTLEGAR – The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Mia Creek wildfire (N22240) that originated approximately 17 kilometers northeast of Canal Flats.

The recent downturn in weather has bolstered weeks of hard work by firefighters, heavy equipment, and aerial resources. As a result of these efforts combined with the more favourable weather conditions over the last few days, fire activity has been reduced.

This amended order takes effect September 1, 2023, at 12:00 noon (PDT) and remains in force until 12:00 noon (PDT) on October 15, 2023, or until the order is rescinded. While the size of the area restriction has been reduced, there is still a continued need to protect the public in areas where ongoing fire suppression activities are taking place.

This order is subject to and subordinate to any applicable evacuation orders made under the Emergency ProgramAct.The order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries described below and outlined in the correlated map:

  • Commencing at the junction of Nine Mile Creek and the Kootenay River,
  • North up the Kootenay River to the junction of the Kootenay and White Rivers,
  • South down the White River,
  • Southwest up Moscow Creek to Edwards Peak,
  • West down the unnamed creek drainage to Nine Mile Creek,
  • North then west to terminate at the Kootenay River.

Note: Use of the White River and Kootenay River is permitted.

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

A detailed map of the affected area is available, here.

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 the bans and restrictions webpage.

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 call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity and burning restrictions visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca or download the BC Wildfire App free for Apple and Android devices.

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Contact:

SEFC Fire Information Officer
BCWS.SEFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca
250-318-7715