White Rock Lake Wildfire Area Restriction Order Expansion

VERNON -- The BC Wildfire Service has expanded the Area Restriction Order in the vicinity of the White Rock Lake wildfire (K61884). The updated restriction perimeter reflects the need to protect personnel in areas where there is ongoing fire suppression activities.

This Area Restriction Order change takes effect August 18, 2021 at 1700 PDT and will remain in place until noon on October 15, 2021 or until it is rescinded.

This order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries as outlined on this map: http://ow.ly/d5PK30rRqCc

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:

  1. First receives written authorization of an official designated for the purposes of the Wildfire Act, or
  2. Enters the area only in the course of:
    1. Travelling as a person acting in an official capacity;
    2. Travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression activities;
    3. Travelling to or from his or her principle residence, that is not under an evacuation order;
    4. 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;
    5. Using a highway as defined in the Highway Act (e.g. Hwy 5); or
    6. Engaging and/or participating in agricultural activities pertaining to livestock or agriculture management on Crown Range, Crown Grazing Lease, private or leased property.
Given the unpredictable nature of wildfires and wildfire behaviour, the final decision on providing access to a wildfire rests with the wildfire's incident commander, and initial permission to visit a wildfire may be revoked in the interest of safety. To request permission to enter the area, please contact the White Rock Lake wildfire Information Team.

A person who contravenes section 11 (2) is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5 000, or to imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or to both. The B.C. Government does not tolerate irresponsible behaviour that puts human life in danger. Conservation Officers, Natural Resource Officers, and RCMP staff are actively patrolling the Area Restriction Order area and are authorized to issue violation tickets for infractions to section 11(2).

The Area Restriction Order is in place to keep our first responders, and all British Columbians safe. Please respect BC Wildfire Service's worksite and do your part to ensure the safety of our staff.

Follow the latest wildfire news:
Contact:
White Rock Lake wildfire Information Team
BC Wildfire Service
778-694-8325
BCWS.WhiteRockInfo@gov.bc.ca

Connect with the Province of B.C.


This article applies to the following project fires:

Fire Centre Bulletin 3470

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