The public will not be able to go near the St. Mary’s wildfire, as the BC Wildfire Service has placed an area restriction around the blaze.
The restricted area runs from the Ta Ta Creek region in the north, Wycliffe in the south and over to the Kootenay River in the East.
The Canadian Rockies International Airport and the ʔaq̓am community are not in the restricted zone.
A map of the restricted area can be found at the bottom of this article.
Residents will not be allowed to enter the restricted area without written permission from a designated official.
That said, you can enter if you are travelling to or from your home that is not under an evacuation order, using a highway, helping with firefighting efforts, or you are travelling as a person acting in an official capacity.
“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,” said BC Wildfire Service officials. “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.”
Failing to comply with an area restriction could result in a $1,150 fine.
The restricted area will remain in place until the BC Wildfire Service chances it or until September 30.
