Prince George Fire Centre updates area restrictions north of Fort Nelson

FORT NELSON, B.C. — The Prince George Fire Centre has updated its area restrictions for the wildfires near Fort Nelson.

The restrictions were first put in place in May to help protect residents from the Nogah Creek and Patry Creek wildfires, which had ignited recently at the time.

Since then, many more wildfires have ignited in the area. The fire centre says the newly updated boundaries for the restricted area “reflects the continued need to protect the public in areas where there are ongoing fire suppression activities and hazardous fire behaviour conditions.”

The updated boundary covers less of the southern end of Highway 77, where currently DriveBC says there is “no stopping” and limited visibility due to wildfire smoke.

While the restrictions are in effect, it is illegal for a person to enter the restricted area without written authorization from an official designated for the purposes of the Wildfire Act, unless it’s to:

• Travel to or from their residence
• Using a highway
• Entering the area as someone acting in an official capacity
• Entering the area for an approved purpose of supporting wildfire suppression activities
• Entering the area for the purposes of carrying out an industrial activity at a time and location approved in writing by the Incident Commander.

Violating the area restriction could lead to a ticket of up to $1,150. The updated restrictions take effect on Friday, July 12th at noon. They’re set to remain until October 15th, 2024.