Area restrictions around the Schofield Creek wildfire, about 43 kilometres east of Invermere, have been lifted.
The area will officially reopen at noon on Friday.
BC Wildfire Service officials said this comes as fire activity has decreased.
As a result, firefighting personnel will no longer need to restrict public access to effectively fight the blaze.
However, you should still be careful if you travel through the area.
“The BC Wildfire Service reminds members of the public that the Schofield Creek wildfire is an active worksite, and they should always exercise caution while travelling in the area,” said BC Wildfire Service officials. “Before entering any area affected by a wildfire, members of the public should be aware that significant safety hazards may be present.”
“Trees that have been damaged by fire might be unstable and could fall,’ BCWS officials continued. “Ash pits can be hard to detect and can remain hot long after the flames have died down.”
The fire is still considered out of control, and has grown to 711 hectares since it was discovered on Aug 5.
The BCWS is monitoring the Schofield Creek wildfire, but crews are not actively battling the blaze.
“The Schofield Creek wildfire is burning in remote terrain where it is not threatening any structures, communities or other values. This wildfire is receiving a modified response,” said BCWS officials. “Modified response fires are regularly observed and assessed to determine the required response to minimize disruption and negative impacts to communities, structures and values while allowing the natural, beneficial ecological process of wildfire to occur.”
Since the fire is still burning, you may still see smoke rising from the area until the flames completely die down.
“Smoke appearing from within the fire perimeter and burned material is common; however, smoke that rises from green, unburned fuel or from outside a fire’s perimeter should be reported immediately,” said the BCWS.
