The BC Wildfire Service has implemented an Area Restriction Order for the vicinity of the Thomas Creek wildfire.

The size of the area restriction reflects the continued need to protect the public in areas where there are ongoing fire suppression activities and includes Crown land.

This area restriction takes effect noon on July 14, 2021 and will remain in place until noon on Oct. 15, 2021 or until it is rescinded. This order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries shown on the map provided here.

Failure to comply with Section 11 restricted area requirements may result in a violation ticket

for $1,150.

It’s not known if this order had to go into place because fire crews were having issues with people going into fire zones or if there are people using off-road vehicles on Crown land. The Western News has reached out to find out.

As of the morning of July 14, the wildfire is at 1,500 ha in size but extremely visible from downtown Penticton and most of South Okanagan.

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 unless:

• 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; and

• engaging and/or participating in agricultural activities pertaining to livestock or

vineyard management on private or leased property.

READ MORE: Christie vs Thomas: differences and similarities in two wildfires

READ MORE: Do you see the big white smoke cloud?

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

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Penticton Western News