The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has implemented an Area Restriction Order for the Cutoff Creek Wildfire southwest of Prince George.
The Cutoff Creek wildfire is classified as being held but is an estimated 21,500, hectares in size.
The BC Wildfire Service said the area restriction reflects the continued need to protect the public in areas where there are ongoing fire suppression activities.
The order prohibits people from being in the area unless they have written permission from government authorities or unless the person is:
- Travelling to or from his or her residence;
- Using a highway as defined in the Highway Act;
- Travelling through or entering the area as a person acting in an official capacity; or
- Travelling through or entering the area for an approved purpose of supporting wildfire suppression activities.
Failure to comply with the restricted area requirements could result in a violation ticket for $1,150.
The order will remain in place until Sept. 30 or until it is rescinded.
Resources dedicated to the fire include 70 firefighters, 4 helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment.
First discovered on July 2, the lightning-caused wildfire of note had grown to more than 23,000 hectares, making it the largest fire in the Prince George Fire Centre so far this summer and the source of much of the smoke that engulfed the city at times.
The threat has since declined enough for an evacuation alert, first imposed by the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and the Saik'uz First Nation on July 20, to be lifted on July 26.
There are currently 50 active wildfires and six wildfires of note in the Prince George Fire Centre.
However, because the moisture content in the north has increased in the region due to the recent rainfall and cooler temperatures the B.C. Wildfire Service rescinded the campfire ban in the Prince George and Northwest Fire Centres today (July 28) at 12 p.m.
The public is nevertheless urged to exercise extreme caution when lighting any campfire.
