Updated: Area restriction expanded for the Silver Basin area

Updated story: Aug. 30, at 9:45 p.m.

The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Silver Basin wildfire,  which has grown to an estimated 120 hectares and is located in the Silver Basin backcountry area, south of the Bugaboo Provincial Park.

In the interest of public and responder safety, this expanded area restriction takes effect immediately.

This order applies to:

• Starting at the confluence of Septet Creek and Bugaboo Creek at Coordinate A (50° 47.866′, -116° 41.085′)
• Proceeding west uphill to the height of land, then southwest following the height of land to the Bugaboo Provincial Park Boundary at Coordinate B (50° 46.817′, -116° 44.708′)
• Following the Bugaboo Provincial Park boundary south towards Howser Peak at Coordinate C (50° 42.306′, -116° 46.930′), then east along the height of land through the Quintet Peaks, turning north along the height of land along the boundary between the Bugaboo Creek and Septet Creek drainages to the point of origin

Original story: Aug. 30, at 12:37 p.m.

As BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Silver Basin wildfire, which has grown to an estimated 34 hectares and is located in the Silver Basin backcountry area, south of the Bugaboo Provincial Park, the area is now restricted, effective immediately.

This restriction will remains in place until the earlier of 12:00 noon (PDT) on Sept. 30, or until the Order is rescinded.

This Order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries described below and as outlined on the attached map.

• Commencing from the confluence of the south and west forks of Bugaboo Creek east of CMH Bugaboos Lodge
• Follow the creek north up the west fork to the boundary of Bugaboo Park
• Follow the south boundary of Bugaboo Park along the height of land to Anniversary Peak at Coordinate A (50° 42.978′, -116° 46.007′), then south to the headwaters of Bugaboo creek at Coordinate B (50° 42.396′, -116° 45.412′) and down stream to the point of commencement

Note: Travel on the Bugaboo Creek FSR is permitted; entering into the restricted area off the FSR is prohibited.

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:

Enters the area only in the course of:

1. Travelling to or from his or her principal residence, that is not under evacuation an order;
2. Using a highway as defined in the Highway Act;
3. Travelling as a person acting in an official capacity as defined in s.56 of the Wildfire Act;
4. Travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression or enforcement patrol activities.

Road closures and area restrictions are subject to change depending on fire activity. For the most current information please visit the fire prohibitions and restrictions section of the BC Wildfire website for the Southeast Fire Centre.

Failure to comply with Section 11 restricted area requirements may result in a violation ticket for $1,150.

Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.