BC Wildfire Service has put in place an area restriction order in the area of the Christie Mountain wildfire near Penticton.
The restriction, effective as of noon Aug. 21, will remain in effect until noon on Oct. 15, unless rescinded earlier. The order applies to Crown lands within the geographical boundaries shown on the map above.
Under this order and Section 11(2) of the Wildfire Act, a person must not remain in or enter the restricted area without the 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:
• travelling to or from his or her principle residence that is not under an evacuation order
• travelling to or from private or leased property for the purposes of accessing a secondary residence or recreational property that is not under an evacuation order
• travelling as a person acting in an official capacity
• travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression activities
• engaging and/or participating in agricultural activities pertaining to livestock or vineyard management on private or leased property
The fire on the east side of Skaha Lake remains an estimated 2,000 hectares. Despite winds forecasted at up to 70 km/hr on Friday, there has been minimal fire activity over the past 24 hours and the fire has grown just 35 hectares, BC Wildfire Services said Saturday morning.
“The size that has been reported has always been an estimate since it has been difficult to track this fire from the ground due to terrain,” the service said, adding it’s currently working to get a more accurate track of its official size.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
READ MORE: 40 personnel remain at the Christie Mountain wildfire overnight
READ MORE: Helping Christie Mountain wildfire evacuees
