B.C. Wildfire Service has implemented an area restriction order near Elkford, due a wildfire burning in the vicinity of Mt. Bingay.
The Mt. Bingay fire was discovered on Aug. 6, approximately 16km northwest of Elkford, but only began to show heightened activity last week. As of Tuesday morning, it covered a 2,512 hectare area of forest.
In recent days, crews established fire guards to the southwest and east of the blaze, as well as control lines. A sprinkler system was activated to the north in areas of potential concern and on Monday, workers began assessing trees for danger south of the fire.
Fire activity remained minimal on Sunday and Monday with small growth to the north and no growth to the south.
READ MORE: Hot dry weather prompts fire crew to extend Sparwood operations southward
The area restriction starts at the junction of Elk River Main FSR and Crossing Creek [50° 4.042’,-114° 55.308’] and continues northeast, following the powerline right-of-way to a junction and an unnamed road [50° 6.612’, -114° 55.378’], stretching further to the height of land [50° 9.610’, -114° 54.824’] and following the height of land northwest [50° 13.271’, -114° 56.266’]. It continues along the Elk River to a point 1.5km northeast of the Elk River Main FSR and Forsyth Creek junction [50° 15.365’, -114° 56.492’]. From there, it runs approximately 1km northwest of Forsyth Creek Rec Site, near Quarrie Creek [50° 16.030’, -114° 58.726’] and heads south following the height of land, approximately 1.5km southwest of Mt. Bingay’s peak [50° 8.437’, -115° 1.918’]. It continues southeast following the height of land to a junction at Crossing North FSR and Crossing Creek FSR [50° 4.622’, -114° 59.278’] and ends at a point east of Crossing Creek FSR.
The restriction remains in effect until noon on Oct. 15, unless rescinded earlier.
No one is allowed to enter the restriction area unless they are fighting the fire, using the highway, travelling to a principle residence that is not under evacuation order, or receive written authorization from an official designated by the Wildire Act. Failure to comply with restrictions will result in a fine of $1,150.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800,663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
@gfrans15
newsroom@thefreepress.ca
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