A forest wildfire burning south of Hope has prompted the closure of Skagit Valley Provincial Park, to protect public safety.  

As of Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, the 50-hectare, lightning-caused fire was burning about 1.3 kilometres from Silvertip Campground and about one kilometre from the Skagit Valley Provincial Park access road. Strong winds are in the forecast for Friday and they could put the Silvertip Campground and park road access at risk. As a result, campers are being evacuated and the park will remain closed until further notice. The closure also affects the popular endurance race, the Fat Dog 120, which has been cancelled.

Campfires are currently banned everywhere in B.C., except within part of the Prince George Fire Centre’s jurisdiction and the fog zone on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

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

Learn More:

For more information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, call 1-888-3-FOREST, or visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

For more information about Skagit Valley Provincial Park, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/skagit/