The area restrictions in the south Peace stemming from this summer’s Kiskatinaw River Wildfire have all officially been rescinded.
The B.C. Wildfire Services ended the order, which was initially issued in June. In the south end of the Dawson Creek fire zone, where the Kiskatinaw River flows, an initial broad evacuation order covered areas spanning from the Beaverlodge Lake past Campbell Lake. A later version of the order issued in August advised residents who lived around the northern lake that they could return home and shortened the opposite border – with Campbell Lake at its most southern line.
“It is imperative that members of the public and those utilizing the area for recreational purposes are aware that significant safety hazards may be present,” said today’s update from the service. The provincial agency also reminded visitors that the Wildfire Act says they have the final say in who is authorized to access the area.
It is also not necessarily the final chapter of evacuations in the area as the service “may reinstate an area restriction if conditions change.”
As people begin to visit the area where the fire was discovered in May, they are being reminded to do so cautiously. Sections of the wildfire zone are still lit. Smoldering ground is common after large wildfires, as is smoke rising from the perimeter of the fire, if black burnt material nearby.
If the smoke is rising and the fire is surrounded by greenery, or other unburnt materials, it should be reported.
Visitors should also keep an eye out for fire damaged trees as they may fall over, pits of ash that remain hot after the blaze is out, and potential flooding from increased water runoff. They are also at risk of livestock visiting the roadways as fences in they likely sustained some damage during this summer’s fire.
Trails and terrain may be damaged and unstable for walking. Some debris from the wildfires still remain and can pose a tripping hazard to anyone visiting the newly opened area on foot.
The wildfire itself is now considered “under control” by B.C.’s wildfire service, this is the lowest of the degrees of control. At its peak, the fire was considered “out of control” and quadrupled in size overnight.
