The BC Wildfire Service rescinded another Area Restriction ahead of the Labour Day long weekend.
The area restriction around the Horsethief Creek wildfire west of Invermere was rescinded on Friday, as the behaviour and activity of the wildfire had decreased.
Firefighting personnel no longer need to restrict public access to operate efficiently and safely in the area of the blaze.
BC Wildfire Service warns that residents should always exercise caution when travelling in the area of a wildfire and advises that you could still see smoke from the blaze in nearby communities over the coming weeks.
More details can be found in the press release below.
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Effective immediately on September 1, 2023, the Area Restriction that was established around the Horsethief Creek wildfire (N22243), which originated approximately 10 kilometres west of Invermere, B.C, will be rescinded. As the fire behaviour and activity has decreased, firefighting personnel no longer need to restrict public access to operate efficiently and safely in the area.
The BC Wildfire Service reminds members of the public that the Horsethief Creek wildfire is an active worksite, and they should always exercise caution while travelling in the area. Even if an area restriction has been rescinded, officials still have the authority under the Wildfire Act and its regulations to order anyone to leave the area.
Before entering any area affected by a wildfire, members of the public should be aware that significant safety hazards may be present. Trees that have been damaged by fire might be unstable and could fall. Ash pits can be hard to detect and can remain hot long after the flames have died down.
Nearby communities can still expect to see smoke within the fire’s perimeter over the coming weeks. Smoke appearing from within the fire perimeter and burned material is common; however, smoke that rises from green, unburned fuel or from outside a fire’s perimeter should be reported immediately.
(Pictured: Horsethief Creek wildfire. Picture taken in early August 2023.)
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