UPDATED: Area restriction for B-Flat Peak wildfire rescinded
By The Nelson Daily Staff
The Area Restriction that was established around the B-Flat Peak wildfire north of Lardeau near Glacier Creek on August 3, 2021, has been rescinded.
The BC Wildfire Service said Friday in a media release with the downturn in weather and reduced fire activity, there is no need at this time to restrict public access to the area.
The BC Wildfire Service reminds members of the public that the B-Flat Peak wildfire is still an active wildfire and caution should be exercised at all times 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 Even if an area restriction has been rescinded, officials still have the authority under the Wildfire Act and its regulations to order anyone to leave the area.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 may 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.
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/vKVc30rPLjz
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: http://www.bcwildfire.ca or download the BC Wildfire App free for Apple and Android devices.
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BC Wildfire Service issues area restriction for B-Flat Peak area near Glacier Creek
Anyone wanting to hike in the popular Glacier Creek area north of Lardeau should take note of the recent Area Restriction Order issued Monday by the BC Wildfire Service in the B-Flat Peak area.
The BC Wildfire Service said the Area Restriction Order is a result the B-Flat Peak wildfire that originated approximately seven (7) kilometres due east of the lower arm of Duncan Lake in the Kootenay fire zone.
The BC Wildfire Service said the B-Flat Peak wildfire, which was caused by lightning July 31, 2021, is currently estimated to be 100 hectares in size and is Out of Control.
The Glacier Creek area is popular for outdoor recreation, and in the interest of public and responder safety, the BC Wildfire Service said this restriction is effective immediately and will remain in place until October 15, 2021, or until it is rescinded.
In the interest of public and responder safety, an area restriction is now in effect:
- Commencing from Glacier creek, following the height of the land to Emperor Peak,
- Continuing the height of land through Blockhead Mountain, Bastille Mountain, along the ridgeline to Starbird Pass,
- Following the height of land above the headwaters of Glacier Creek,
- Around the the eastern toe of the MacBeth Icefield, and down the height of land southwest to the point of commencement.
• Note: Travel along the Duncan Forest Service Road is permitted.
Under this Order and section 11(2) of the Wildfire Act, a person must not remain in or enter the restricted area, 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:
- (a) travelling to or from his or her residence, that is not under an evacuation order;
- (b) using a highway as defined in the Transportation Act;
- (c) travelling as a person acting in an official capacity as defined in s.56 of the Wildfire Act; or
- (d) travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression or enforcement patrol activities.
A detailed map of the affected area is available: http://ow.ly/3tsW30rPNfW.
