Due to recent changes in weather conditions and fire behaviour, the area restriction currently in effect in the Flathead area southeast of Fernie will be rescinded at 12:01 a.m. Pacific time on Friday, Sept. 22, 2017.

However, in the interest of public safety and the safety of first responders, the Wigwam Forest Service Road is closed from the junction with the Lodgepole Forest Service Road (at the 25-kilometre mark) south to the Cabin Creek Forest Service Road junction. This closure will remain in effect until the public is otherwise notified. An information checkpoint will be in place at the 25-kilometre mark of the Lodgepole Forest Service Road to advise the public about fire-related hazards in the area.

A map showing the extent of the closure is available online at: http://ow.ly/S4DC30fl2T7

Information on other wildfire-related area restrictions in the Rocky Mountain Forest District, including detailed maps and road closures, is available online at: http://ow.ly/2K9q30fiF5c

A campfire ban remains in effect throughout the Southeast Fire Centre. For more information about this ban and other open burning prohibitions, please visit: http://ow.ly/GWXj30fiFgp

The Southeast Fire Centre extends from the U.S. border in the south to the Mica Dam in the north and from the Okanagan Highlands and Monashee Mountains in the west to the B.C.-Alberta border in the east. The Southeast Fire Centre includes the Selkirk Natural Resource District and the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District.

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

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

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:

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