Effective immediately an Area Restriction Order is in effect for Crown land in the vicinity of the Tommy Lakes wildfire, located approximately 29 kilometres northeast of mile 109-Highway 97 (Alaska Highway).

This area restriction has been put in place to address public-safety concerns arising from the wildfire’s rate of spread, and to avoid interference with fire control. The restriction will remain in place until noon (Pacific time) on July 31, 2018, or until the order is rescinded.

Under this order and Section 11(2) of the Wildfire Act, a person must not remain in or enter the Tommy Lakes wildfire restricted area without prior written authorization of an official, designated for the purposes of the Wildfire Act, unless the person enters the area under the following circumstances only:

• travelling to or from his or her principal residence that is not under an evacuation order;
• using a highway as defined in the Transportation Act;
• travelling to or from an industrial activity or business location;
• travelling through or entering the area as a person acting in an official capacity; or
• through or entering the area for an approved purposes of supporting wildfire suppression activities.

This order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries described below and as outlined in heavy black/grey border as outlined with black cross-hatching on the map available online: http://ow.ly/gzCX30kcKqZ

North Boundary: Coordinates 57◦ 20.85’N x -121◦53.95’W (located north of the Tommy Lakes Road bridge, crossing Holman Creek) bearing east 47 kilometres to coordinates 57◦20.85’N x -121◦ 07.10’ W (located near Pickell Creek).

East Boundary: Coordinates 57◦ 20.85’N x -121◦ 07.10’W (located near Pickell Creek) bearing south 26.8 kilometres to coordinates 57◦ 06.40’N x -121◦07.10’W (located at Beatton River near the end of Two Creeks Road).

The Peace River Regional District has issued an evacuation order for this wildfire.  More information is available online at: https://prrd.bc.ca/

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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