The area around the Mia Creek wildfire is now off-limits after the BC Wildfire Service implemented an area restriction around the blaze.
The fire, about 15 kilometres east of Fairmont Hot Springs, has grown to 881 hectares since it was first discovered on July 24.
The containment area runs from the junction of Kootenay River FSR and Kootenay-Bypass FSR, southeast along Kootenay-Bypass FSR to the junction of Kootenay-Bypass FSR and Whiteswan Lake FSR, east along Whiteswan Lake FSR to the junction with White Rock FSR, northwest along White Rock FSR to the junction withKootenay River FSR and south along Kootenay River FSR to the starting point.
“Travel is permitted along the road from the junction of the Kootenay River FSR and Kootenay-Bypass FSR, southeast to the junction of Whiteswan Lake FSR & White Rock FSR. Entry into the restricted area from this travel corridor is prohibited,” said the BC Wildfire Service.
Note: Access to Whiteswan Provincial Park is permitted for both travel and recreation purposes.
A map of the area will be included 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 removes it or until September 30.
