The BC Wildfire Service has activated an Area Restriction Order for the Horsethief Creek Wildfire north of Panorama.
The blaze has grown to 3,904 hectares since it was discovered on July 24, several properties are on Evacuation Alert and one property is on Evacuation Order due to the blaze.
The Area Restriction Order covers;
- Commencing at the junction of Bruce Creek FSR & powerline [50° 33.353′, -116° 10.678′] going northwest tying into Horsethief Creek
- following Horsethief Creek due west to approximately 27 km mark on Horsethief Creek FSR [50° 33.915′, -116° 21.497′]
- due south following the height of land along the Law Creek drainage to the peak of Mt. Law [50° 30.845′, -116° 22.481′]
- due southwest following the height of land to peak of Mt. Delphine [50° 27.877′, -116° 27.181′]
- due southeast to the peak of Mt. Catherine [50° 27.067′, -116° 23.789′]
- due northwest following the height of land to the peak of Mt. Bruce [50° 30.869′, -116° 13.678′]
- due northeast to Houlgrave Road [50° 31.663′, -116° 9.660′]
- due north following Houlgrave Road to point of commencement at the junction of Bruce Creek FSR & powerline.
Area Restriction Orders are issued to keep members of the public away from firefighting operations and to ensure safe access for BC Wildfire Service personnel.
Find more information from the BC Wildfire Service below:
The BC Wildfire Service has implemented an Area Restriction Order for the vicinity of the Horsethief Creek wildfire (N22243), which originated on Bruce Mountain approximately seven kilometres north of Panorama Mountain Resort and 10 kilometres west of Invermere. This area restriction reflects the need to protect the public in areas where fire suppression activities are taking place.
This restriction is effective immediately and will remain in effect until noon (PST) on October 15, 2023, or until rescinded. The order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries described below and outlined in the provided map.
Area Restriction Order details:
- Commencing at the junction of Bruce Creek FSR & powerline [50° 33.353′, -116° 10.678′] going northwest tying into Horsethief Creek
- following Horsethief Creek due west to approximately 27 km mark on Horsethief Creek FSR [50° 33.915′, -116° 21.497′]
- due south following the height of land along the Law Creek drainage to the peak of Mt. Law [50° 30.845′, -116° 22.481′]
- due southwest following the height of land to peak of Mt. Delphine [50° 27.877′, -116° 27.181′]
- due southeast to the peak of Mt. Catherine [50° 27.067′, -116° 23.789′]
- due northwest following the height of land to the peak of Mt. Bruce [50° 30.869′, -116° 13.678′]
- due northeast to Houlgrave Road [50° 31.663′, -116° 9.660′]
- due north following Houlgrave Road to point of commencement at the junction of Bruce Creek FSR & powerline.
For a map of the affected area click here.
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:
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:
- travelling to or from his or her principle residence that is not under an evacuation order;
- travelling to or from private or leased property for the purpose of accessing a secondary residence or recreational property, 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 s.56 of the Wildfire Act; or
- travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression or enforcement patrol activities.
The BC Wildfire Service reminds the public that although access to a private residence is permitted, the public must stay out of active fire areas. Public interference has a direct impact on the effectiveness of fire suppression activities and poses safety risks to both the public and responders who are working to contain the fire.
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.
– Article includes information from BC Wildfire Service
