UPDATED area restriction in effect for the Ravenshead area



CASTLEGAR – The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Ravenshead wildfire (N21610), located about 20 kilometres east of the District of Invermere and about 16 kilometres northeast of Highway 93/95.

The area restriction in place for this wildfire is being reduced in size, but there is still a continued need to protect the public in areas where ongoing fire suppression activities are taking place.

In the interest of public and responder safety, an amended area restriction takes effect August 10, 2024, at 12:00 noon (PDT) for the Ravenshead area and remains in force until 12:00 noon (PDT) on September 30, 2024, or until the Order is rescinded.

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

  • Commencing at Indian Head Mtn Peak @ [50° 23.817′, -115° 47.037′],
  • Following height of land East/Southeast to Unnamed Peak @ [50° 22.025′, -115° 41.494′],
  • Continuing East down slope to the junction of Kootenay-Settlers FSR (Ravens Head) and Kootenay River FSR @ [50° 22.163′,  -115° 37.181′],
  • Following Kootenay River FSR north across Kootenay River to the intersection with Cedrus Creek @ [50° 23.007′, -115° 36.773′],
  • Following Cedrus Creek East to height of land and following the height of land tying into Franklin Peaks @ [50° 22.762′, -115° 24.335′],
  • Continuing North along the height of land to Unnamed Peak @[50° 28.299′, -115° 27.855′]
  • Heading Northwest across the Palliser River valley to Unnamed Peak @ [50° 34.491′, -115° 30.828′],
  • Heading Southwest across the Albert River valley to Unnamed Peak @ [50° 33.646′, -115° 36.447′],
  • Following height of land north tying into Tangle Peak @ [50° 38.961′, -115° 38.812′],
  • Following height of land west to Unnamed Peak @ [50° 39.168′, -115° 41.812′],
  • Heading Southwest across valley to Unnamed Peak @ [50° 38.386′, -115° 43.903′],
  • Heading Southwest downslope to the head of Yearling Creek @ [50° 37.573′, -115° 44.826′],
  • Following Yearling Creek Southwest to the intersection with Cross River FSR @ [50° 37.099′, -115° 47.359′],
  • Following Cross River FSR south to the junction with Kootenay-Palliser FSR @ [50° 36.901′, -115° 47.494′],
  • Heading Southwest across Kootenay River and upslope tying into Piebald Peak @ [50° 33.913′, -115° 50.701′],
  • Following height of land south tying into Indian Head Mtn Peak @ [50° 23.817′, -115° 47.037′].

Note: Travel is permitted along Cross River FSR. Travel is permitted along Kootenay River FSR up to the junction with White-Rock FSR; entering into the restricted area off these roads is prohibited. Travel on the Kootenay-Settlers FSR (Ravenshead) and Palliser FSRs is NOT permitted within the area restriction. Access to and traveling on the Kootenay River through the area restriction is not permitted.

A detailed map of the affected area is available 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:

Enters the area only in the course of:

  1. Travelling to or from his or her principal residence, that is not under evacuation an order;
  2. Travelling to or from his or her private or leased property for the purpose of accessing his or her secondary residence or recreational property, that is not under an evacuation order;
  3. Using a highway as defined in the Highway Act;
  4. Travelling as a person acting in an official capacity as defined in s.56 of the Wildfire Act;
  5. Travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression or enforcement patrol activities.

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

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: bcwildfire.ca, the BC Wildfire Map or download our app.

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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