Pocket Knife Creek wildfire area restriction lifted

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Prince George Fire Centre’s (PGFC) area restriction for the Pocket Knife Creek wildfire will be lifted this weekend.

The PGFC announced on Friday, July 4th that the area restriction for the 151,000-hectare fire will no longer be in effect as of Saturday, July 5th at noon.

The restriction was initially issued on May 31st, when the fire had burned less than 5,000 hectares, because of the “continued need to protect the public in areas where there are ongoing fire suppression activities and hazardous fire behaviour conditions.”

On Sunday, June 29th, the PGFC announced an amendment to reduce the restricted area’s size because of successful fire suppression efforts and recent weather in the region.

“Even if an area restriction has been rescinded, officials still have the authority under the Wildfire Act and its regulations to order anyone to leave the area and, if required, may reinstate an area restriction if conditions change,” the PGFC’s latest update reads.

While the area restriction was in effect, it was illegal to enter the area without written permission, outside of select circumstances. Violating the restriction could incur a fine of up to $1,150.

Residents with plans to enter the former restricted area are being warned by the PGFC that post-wildfire risks can last for two years or more, and there may be “smouldering ground fires” within the fire’s perimeter over the coming weeks.

“If smoke is rising from well within a fire’s perimeter and the area is surrounded by black, burned material, this is typically not a concern,” the announcement reads. “However, smoke rising from green, unburnt fuel or from outside a fire’s perimeter should be reported immediately.”

Residents can use the BC Wildfire Service app, call 1-800-663-5555 or dial *5555 on their cell phone to report wildfires.