The BC Wildfire Service has amended an Area Restriction Order for the vicinity of the Mount Bingay wildfire (N12546), which originated approximately 16 kilometres northwest of Elkford.
As a result of this amendment, travel on Elk River Forest Service Road will be permitted between 6 pm MST and 8 am MST (overnight) each day. Speed must be reduced to 30 kilometres an hour and no stopping is permitted. Entering the restricted area off the Elk River Forest Service Road is prohibited.
This amendment takes effect August 26, 2023, at 6 pm MST and will remain in effect until 12:00 noon (PDT) on October 15, 2023, or until rescinded.
This area restriction amendment reflects the need to ensure safe travel on resource roads for responders and the public. This amendment will allow for travel on the Elk River FSR only outside of peak suppression activity hours.
Complete area restriction order details are listed below:
– Commencing at the junction of Elk River Main FSR & Crossing Creek [50° 4.042′, -114° 55.308′];
– Due Northeast following the powerline Right of Way to the junction of the powerline Right of Way and an unnamed road [50° 6.612′, -114° 55.378′];
– Due Northeast to the height of land [50° 9.610′, -114° 54.824′];
– Following the height of land Northwest [50° 13.271′, -114° 56.266′ ];
– Due Northwest following Elk River to approx. 1.5km Northeast of Junction @ Elk River Main FSR & Forsyth Creek FSR [50° 15.365′, -114° 56.492′];
– Due West to Quarrie Creek approx. 1km Northwest of Forsyth Creek Rec Site [50° 16.030′, -114° 58.726′];
– Due South following the height of land to approx. 1.5 km Southwest of peak of Mt. Bingay [50° 8.437′, -115° 1.918′];
– Due Southeast following height of land to Junction @ Crossing North FSR & Crossing Creek FSR [50° 4.622′, -114° 59.278′];
– Due East following Crossing Creek FSR tying into point of commencement.
For a map of the affected area, click here.
When traveling on resource roads, including forest service roads, safe driving practices must be adhered to at all times. Click here for the Resource Road Safety Guide.
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:
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:
– travelling to or from his or her principle residence that is not under an evacuation order;
– using a highway as defined in the Transportation Act;
– travelling as a person acting in an official capacity as defined in s.56 of the Wildfire Act; or
– travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression or enforcement patrol activities.
This Order is subject to and subordinate to any applicable evacuation orders made under the Emergency Program Act.
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: http://ow.ly/3UJo50Kc3o3
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