At 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 3, an updated area restriction for all Crown land in the vicinity of the Elephant Hill wildfire came into effect and will remain in force until noon on Oct. 31 or until the order is rescinded.

The order applies to all Crown land within the geographic boundaries as outlined on the map which is available online at: http://ow.ly/qhPM30eSPFF

As illustrated in the previously mentioned map, this area restriction reaches Horse Lake Road and includes Sheridan Lake and Green Lake entirely.

Area restrictions are put in place to help protect public safety and allow fire suppression efforts to continue efficiently. Under this order and Section 11(2) of the Wildfire Act, a person must not remain in or enter the Elephant Hill wildfire restricted area without 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 principle residence that is not under an evacuation order;
2. travelling to or from leased property for the purpose of accessing a secondary residence or recreational property not under an evacuation order;
3. using a highway as defined in the Transportation Act;
4. travelling as a person acting in an official capacity;
5. travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression activities;
6. engaging and/or participating in a commercial activity within the regular course of the person’s business or employment on private or leased lands; and
7. engaging and/or participating in agricultural activities pertaining to livestock management between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on private or leased property.

As the Elephant Hill wildfire continues to be active with ongoing fire suppression efforts, the BC Wildfire Service asks the public to abide by this order fire suppression operations are not impeded and can be done safely and effectively. There are ongoing patrols by the RCMP and B.C. Conservation Officer Service within the restricted area to ensure that the public remains clear of this area for their safety as well as crews continuing with their suppression efforts. Public and fire personnel safety remains the number one priority of the BC Wildfire Service.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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