Wildfire service rescinds area restriction for Kiskatinaw River blaze

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — An area in the South Peace is officially no longer restricted as of this afternoon, according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

BCWS announced on Thursday, October 2nd that, effective at noon, the area restriction for the Kiskatinaw River wildfire is being lifted.

The restriction was put in place in June when the fire was at its most dangerous. At the time, evacuation alerts were in effect on both sides of the provincial border due to the blaze.

Over the following months, the area restriction was reduced in size multiple times in late July and August, although it remained in effect to keep residents out of the area while fire suppression efforts continued.

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

BCWS is warning residents that the area isn’t necessarily safe just because the restriction is being lifted, and people passing through areas impacted by wildfires should be cautious.

Potential dangers include unstable fire-damaged trees, increased water runoff and hard-to-spot pits of dangerously hot ash.

The agency also says it could reinstate the area restriction if conditions change. 

According to the BCWS website, the Kiskatinaw River wildfire is currently ‘under control,’ meaning it’s expected to stay within its current boundaries. It has burned 26,195 hectares so far.