The BC Wildfire Service has issued an Area Restriction Order to restrict travel in the area of two wildfires in the Nation Lakes area, about 90 kilometres north of Fort St. James and 100 km west of Mackenzie.
The order takes effect today at noon and will remain in place until Sept. 30, unless the order is rescinded. The restriction means that a person must not remain or enter the identified area without prior written authorization by an official under the authority of the Wildfire Act unless that person is :
• (a) Travelling to or from his or her residence;
• (b) Using a highway as defined in the Highway Act;
• (c) Travelling through or entering the area as a person acting in an official capacity; or
• (d) Travelling through or entering the area for an approved purpose of supporting wildfire suppression activities.
The order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundary as outlined :
Starting at Pine Point on Tchentlo Lake at coordinates A (55º 12.673’N, -124º 56.747’W) then heading north to the north end of Ahdatay Lake at coordinates B (55° 21.231'N, -124° 57.499'W). Heading northwesterly to the west end of Wudsti Lake at coordinates C (55° 24.937'N, -124° 54.070'W) heading west to the east end of Tsydaychi Lake at coordinates D (55° 25.422'N, -124° 42.732'W) moving west to the south end of Connaghan Lake at coordinates E (55° 28.836'N, -124° 15.931'W) heading south to the northwest corner of Chuchi Lake at coordinates F (55° 11.325'N, -124° 23.524'W) then moving east along the north side of the Chuchi Lake, crossing the Nation River and following the north side of Tchentlo Lake to starting coordinates A (55º 12.673’N, -124º 56.747’W).
The Nation Lakes fires are on the Omineca River in Omineca Provincial Park. Both are believed to have been caused by lightning this past weekend.
The Prince George Fire Centre is also monitoring the out-of-control Big Creek fire on the west side of Williston Lake, 115 km northwest of Mackenzie, which had grown to 29,130 ha by Tuesday afternoon. That fire, also caused by lightning, was first reported June 7.
