While most eyes have been on the Tentfire Creek fire and other, closer fires to Tumbler Ridge, a new Area Restriction for Ridgeview Creek Wildfire is going into effect today that will see the closure of a large chunk of land southeast of Wapiti Provincial Park.
The Ridgeview Creek fire is the name given to a new fire that sprung up on August 8.
The new order takes effect at noon today, effectively shuts down the Wapiti Forest Road south of Becker Creek.
While the fire is still listed as 8 ha on the BC Wildfire website, it is actively growing and is expected to grow to more than 100 ha by the weekend.
The order means that people cannot enter this area without the prior written authorization of an official designated for the purposes of the Wildfire Act.
There are a few exceptions, most of which do not apply to this fire. So unless you are actively approved to support the wildfire suppression activities, avoid the area, or risk a $1,150 violation ticket.
The closures will affect some backcountry destinations, including Warner Lake and Red Deer Falls, both popular ride for ATVers.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
