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 Pacific Daylight Time on Friday, August 2, 2024 and remains in force until the earlier of October 15, 2024 or until the Order is rescinded.

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

North Boundary:

Commencing at Point A (59° 33.589′, 123° 41.817′), approximately 28 kilometers West of Tsinshia Lake, travel Eastward 171 kilometres at a bearing of 89° to Point B (59° 33.440′, -120° 40.340′), approximately 16 kilometers Northeast of Helmet Airport.

East Boundary:

Commencing at Point B (59° 33.440′, -120° 40.340′), travel 115.5 kilometres at a bearing of 180° to Point C (58° 31.234′, -120° 40.408′), a point along the Western shore of Elkwan Lake.

South Boundary:

Commencing at Point C (58° 31.234′, -120° 40.408′), travel Heading 69km at a bearing of 269° to Point D (58° 29.976′, -121° 51.388′), at the confluence of Slave Creek and Elleh Creek.

West Boundary:

Commencing at Point D (58° 29.976′, -121° 51.388′), travel 61 kilometres at a bearing of 319° to Point E (58° 54.613′, -122° 32.814′), at the confluence of Cridland Creek and the Fort Nelson River. Continue 72 kilometres at a bearing of 314° to Point F, 5 kilometres West of where Patry Creek begins at Patry Lake (59° 21.527′, -123° 32.495′). Continue 26.5km at a breaking of 329 degrees to terminate at Point A (59° 33.589′, 123° 41.817′).

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% 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 mobile app

Make a plan before you go, and check for:

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

Contact:

Prince George Fire Centre Information Team
BC Wildfire Service | Ministry of Forests
250-561-4629
bcws.pgfcinformationofficer@gov.bc.ca

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