Update issued to area restriction in effect for northeast wildfires



PRINCE GEORGE – The BC Wildfire Service is issuing an update to a pre-existing area restriction order for the vicinity of several wildfires located in the Fort Nelson Zone. The size of the area restriction reflects the continued need to protect the public in areas where there are ongoing fire suppression activities and hazardous fire behaviour conditions.

This order takes effect at 12:00 noon on Friday July 12, 2024 and remains in force until the earlier of Oct. 15, 2024 or until the order is rescinded.

This order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries described below:

  • Referencing to geographic locations, geographic coordinates and the 16-point compass rose directions, starting at the confluence of Liard River and Fort Nelson River at Coordinate A (59°33.44’N, -123°59.60’W); then heading E for 187.8 km to a location 16 km NNE of Helmut Airstrip at Coordinate B (59°33.44’N, -120°40.34’W); then heading S for 115.7 km to Ekwan Lake at Coordinate C (58°31.10’N, -120°40.34’W); then heading W for 70.1 km to the intersection of Nogah Road and 61 Road at Coordinate D (58°31.14’N, -121°52.56’W); then heading NW for 60.1 km to a point 11 km N of Old Fort Nelson at Coordinate E (58°56.82’N, -122°30.48’W); then heading WNW for 39.8 Km to the intersection of Slocan Road and Highway 77 at Coordinate F (59°00.44’N, -123°11.57’W’); then heading NW for 38.1 km to the confluence of Obole Creek and Fort Nelson River at Coordinate G (59°15.10’N, -123°39.81’W); then heading NNW along the Fort Nelson River to the starting point at Coordinate A (59°33.44’N, -123°59.60’W).

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:

Enters the area only in the course of:
(a) Travelling to or from his or her residence;
(b) Using a highway as defined in the Transportation Act;
(c) Entering the area as a person acting in an official capacity;
(d) Entering the area for an approved purpose of supporting wildfire suppression activities;
(e) Entering the area for the purposes of carrying out an industrial activity at a regulated oil and gas site.

Failure to comply with Section 11 restricted area requirements may result in a violation ticket for $1,150.

Be safe this summer and always report smoke, wildfire and unattended campfires
The public is one of our greatest resources when it comes to reporting wildfires. Approximately 40 per cent of wildfires are reported by members of the public. There are a number of ways to report:

  • Call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free
  • Call *5555 from a cell phone
  • Submit directly through the BC Wildfire Service web and mobile app

Make a plan before you go, and check for:

And stay up-to-date on the latest BC Wildfire news on:

Contact:
North Peace Fire Information Team
BC Wildfire Service | Ministry of Forests
778-362-4783
BCWS.NorthPeaceComplex.Information@gov.bc.ca

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