The Northwest Fire Centre has issued an area restriction order for areas surrounding the China Nose fire, currently burning about 15 km southeast of Houston, effective 6:00 p.m. Aug. 14.

This Order applies to the McKilligan, Swan Lake, Heading Creek, Poisent Creek, Gilmore Lake forest service roads and portions of the Thompson Creek Forest Service Road immediately north of Maxan Lake. A map of the restricted areas is available online at: http://bcwildfire.ca/ftp/!Project/WildfireNews/8142014~81704_R20116%20Map%20Access%20Restriction%2011x17L%2020140813%201.pdf

People wishing to access the area must first receive written authorization from an official. Residents not under evacuation order may also travel to and from their residence. The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako has also issued an evacuation order and evacuation alert for areas near the fire. Details are available online at: http://www.rdbn.bc.ca/

BC Parks has also closed Old Man Lake Provincial Park.

The fire is estimated at 2,900 hectares and has been attacked heavily throughout the day by 49 firefighters and seven helicopters. This wildfire will continue to be highly visible from the community of Houston and surrounding areas.

The Fire Danger Rating in the Northwest Fire Centre is “high” to “extreme”, with hot and dry weather expected to continue. At this time the public is urged to take conditions seriously and prevent human-caused fires so that all available resources can be diverted to suppression of lightning-caused fires.

A campfire and open burning prohibition is in effect in the Nadina Fire Zone, the Bulkley Fire Zone and the Skeena Fire Zone (with the exception of the former North Coast District). A map of the affected areas is available online at: http://bit.ly/1oZfilE

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellular phone.

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news:

• On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contacts:

Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Northwest Fire Centre
250 847-6639