Area restriction issued for Pocket Knife Creek wildfire

Updated June 1st 3:40 p.m.: This article was updated because the Pocket Knife Creek wildfire has grown to 4,374 hectares.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — An area restriction has been issued because of an ongoing blaze in the Fort St. John fire zone.

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) issued the area restriction for the 4,374-hectare Pocket Knife Creek wildfire on Saturday, May 31st.

According to BCWS, the area restriction was issued because of the “continued need to protect the public in areas where there are ongoing fire suppression activities and hazardous fire behaviour conditions.”

The restricted area covers a wide range of land north of Pink Mountain, including a stretch of Highway 97.

While the restriction is in effect, it’s illegal to enter that area without written permission, except for the following circumstances:

• People traveling to or from their homes
• Using the highway
• Entering the area as a person acting in an official capacity
• Entering for the purpose of wildfire suppression
• Entering for the purpose of carrying out industrial activity at a regulated oil and gas site

Violating the area restriction could lead to fines up to $1,150.

The restriction will remain in effect until October 15th, unless BCWS decides to lift it early.