As of now, the Area Restriction that was established around the South Peace Complex has been rescinded.
Of course, in this fortnight’s paper (being delivered today), it talks about how the area restriction is still in effect and might be in effect for the next few weeks.
According to BC Wildfire, “with the reduced fire activity and behaviour, both current and anticipated, there is no longer a need to restrict public access in order for firefighting personnel to operate efficiently and safely in the area.”
On July 2, 2023, the West Kiskatinaw River fire was classified as Being Held and the Peavine Creek fire was classified as Under Control.
As always, do remember that these areas are still active wildfire areas, and caution should be exercised. “Even if an area restriction has been rescinded,” points out BC Wildfire, “officials still have authority under the Wildfire Act and the Wildfire Regulations to order anyone to leave the area.”
Also, remember that trees that have been damaged by fire might be unstable and could fall. Ash pits can be hard to detect and can remain hot long after the flames have died down.
Road closures and area restrictions are subject to change depending on fire activity. For the most current information please visit the BC Wildfire Service’s Bans and Restriction Page.
“Residents and travellers within the vicinity of these fires may continue to see smoke from within the perimeter and burned material; however, smoke that rises from green, unburnt fuel or from outside the perimeter should be reported immediately.”
The area restriction removal comes two days after the PRRD’s evacuation alert was cancelled, meaning that residents no longer need to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, though if we have learned anything from this evacuation, we should all be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Despite still being a fire of note, no real changes on West Kiskatinaw Fire
Our earlier story published in July 6 Issue
After making a mad rush towards the town, the West Kiskatinaw Fire has encountered weather conditions unfavourable for new fire growth.
Since the middle of last month, the fire has been sitting at 25,095 ha, mostly smouldering, and is now considered “being held” and is not expected to grow beyond that, unless conditions radically change.
While we have seen plenty of warm and windy days in the last three weeks, they have been interspersed with a number of cool and rainy days, which has kept fire behavior down.
“We haven’t observed any growth on the fires and have no updates for size since June 14,” says BC Wildfire Service Information Officer Sharron Nickel.
Indeed, the biggest news, she says, is an Incident Management Team from the US took command of the complex on Monday, June 19.
The 14 member team included firefighters from Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and Montana. They worked on the fire for two weeks, but have since departed.
At the time of this writing, there were still 52 wildland fire fighters working on the fire, as well as four helicopters.
Nickel says crews are mopping up and patrolling the perimeter and are utilizing the infrared scan map to locate and extinguish hotspots.
“Just a public safety reminder that area restrictions remain in effect,” says Nickel. “We ask that members of the public abide by signage and avoid traveling on the Bearhole Lake Road, Hourglass Road, Noel Road, M Road and J Road. Aircraft and ground operations may be immediately ceased when persons are found within the fire perimeter and the consequences associated with this interference can be substantial.”
Tumbler Ridge remains under an Evacuation Alert. Community Members should be ready to pick up and leave at a moment’s notice if the situation does change.
Sometimes, things happen between editions of our bi-weekly papers. Keep an eye on www.tumblerridgelines.com for the latest news.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
