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Area restriction in effect for Trozzo Creek, Mt Ruppel wildfires

The Nelson Daily Staff
By The Nelson Daily Staff
July 20th, 2021

The BC Wildfire Service announced Monday the implementation of an Area Restriction Order for the vicinity of the Trozzo Creek fire near Winlaw and Mt Ruppel wildfire east of Slocan.

The BC Wildfire Service said this area restriction reflects the continued need to protect the public in areas where ongoing fire suppression activities are taking place and to avoid interference with fire control.

The BC Wildfire Service said this order is currently in effect and will remain in effect until 12 noon (PDT) on September 15, 2021, or until rescinded.

The order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries described below and outlined in the correlated map:

Trozzo Creek wildfire (N51705), originated 7 kilometres east Winlaw and Mt Ruppel wildfire (N51724), originated 13 kilometres east of Slocan:

  • Commencing from the intersection of Pedro Rd and Highway 6 East up the Pedro Creek FSR to the height of land on Pedro-Donut FSR.
  • Then east to Mount Peters and northeast to Baldface Ridge.
  • Following the height of land north thru Mount Grohman the summit of Duhamel Creek FSR to Mount Cornfield.
  • Then bearing north to Kokanee Park and follow the Kokanee Park boundary North to Enterprise Creek.
  • Then follow Enterprise creek West to Highway 6 and follow Highway 6 south to the point of commencement.

Note: Access to private land recreational areas and sites adjacent to Highway 6 are permitted.

Trozzo Creek and Mt Ruppel wildfires combined Area Restriction Order Map: http://ow.ly/t8uM50FznrG

BC Wildfire Service said Monday on its website that 52 firefighters have been deployed to battle the lightning caused Trozzo Creek blaze with the assistance of three helicopters and seven pieces of heavy equipment.

“Winds were challenging the crews on this incident yesterday, July 19,” BC Wildfire Service said.

“The south flank was held with the support of airtankers laying down retardant and helicopters bucketing. Driven by winds and heavy fuels, the fire did grow, mainly towards the north.”

BC Wildfire Service said a small excursion was spotted to the west, but crews were quick to contain it with the help of the helicopter group while to the east, tight lines of fuel free and direct attack suppression tactics are moving containment efforts forward.

BC Wildfire Service said two helicopter pads were completed.

“(Monday) work continues on the north flank by the heavy equipment group to build a machine guard,” BC Wildfire Service said.

 

“Crews will continue to focus their suppression efforts on the west and northwest perimeter. Helicopters will continue to support as needed.”

The BC Wildfire Service said 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:

  • first receives written authorization of an official designated for the purposes of the Wildfire Act, or
  • Enters the area only in the course of:

(a)   travelling to or from his or her principle residence that is not under an evacuation order;

(2)   using a highway as defined in the Transportation Act;

(3)   travelling as a person acting in an official capacity as defined in s.56 of the Wildfire Act; or

(4)   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/k5jT50Fvlk3

The Southeast Fire Centre is sharing resources for all priority wildfires and responding to incidents accordingly. The top priority is always human life and safety. The second priority is property. The third priority is the protection of areas with high environmental values including community watersheds and species at risk. The fourth priority is resource values. 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.

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