Popular hiking destination, Idaho Peak now off limits due Southeast Fire Centre area restrictions
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Southeast Fire Centre has placed area restrictions to the public due to wildfires near Revelstoke and Kokanee Glacier Park outside Silverton.
The restricted area near Silverton includes the popular hiking destination of Idaho Peak, accessed by vehicle from a foresty road near Sandon. Idaho Peak, which offers one of the best views over Slocan Lake, is a relaxing 1.5 km hike each way, with only a few steep spots.
In a media release Saturday, Southeast Fire Centre said area restriction orders are now in effect for both the Goldstream River wildfire (N42293) — about 70 kilometres northwest of Revelstoke and about 5.5 kilometres east of Highway 23 — and the Blacktail Mountain wildfire (N51329) — in Kokanee Glacier Park is approximately eight kilometers southeast of Silverton.
“The BC Wildfire Service has implemented these area restrictions to protect public safety and avoid any interference with fire control activities,” Southeast Fire Centre said. “These area restriction orders apply to all Crown land outlined on each of the detailed maps indicated below. They will remain in place until Sept. 15, 2018, or until they are rescinded.”
Saturday, the BC Wildfire Service said there were 141 new wildfires started across the province – mostly due to lightning activity. The southern third of the province saw the biggest uptick in new wildfire starts, with 33 new fires in the Coastal Fire Centre, 41 new fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre, and 60 new fires in the Southeast Fire Centre.
Provincially, there are currently 586 active wildfires burning at this time.
The Blacktail Mountain wildfire area restriction applies to the entire Silverton Creek drainage. A detailed map of this closure is available online at: http://ow.ly/iljR30lmTCb
The Goldstream River wildfire area restriction applies to the entire Groundhog Basin, immediately north of the French Forest Service Road and extending north to Old Camp Creek. A detailed map of this closure is available online at: http://ow.ly/TmF630lmTCJ
Under these orders and Section 11(2) of the Wildfire Act, a person must not remain in or enter these restricted areas, unless the person first receives written authorization of an official designated for the purposes of the Wildfire Act, or enters the area only in the course of:
- travelling to or from his or her 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 Section 56 of the Wildfire Act; or
- travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression or enforcement patrol activities.
Saturday, gusty winds forced the closure of Highway 3 between Salmo and Creston due to the Blazed Creek wildfire.
The Southeast Fire Centre said while this fire is not currently threatening communities and Highway 3 is now re-opened, a travel advisory is in effect for possible sudden closures due to wildfire activity.
“YRB (Yellowhead Road and Bridge crews) will be patrolling overnight to monitor any changes,” the Southeast Fire Centre website said. “Stay tuned to www.drivebc.ca for the latest closure information.”
The Blazed Creek fire is approximately 2 km north of Highway 3 and approximately 26 km northwest of Creston. Check DriveBC for updates.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation by calling 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, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
Highway crews at West Kootenay District of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure are closely working with the BC Wildfire Service on the Blazed Creek fire near the Kootenay Pass. — Photo courtesy West Kootenay District @ TranBC
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