KAMLOOPS - An updated area restriction for all Crown land in the vicinity of the Elephant Hill wildfire came into effect at 9 a.m. on Aug. 28, 2017. This area restriction order will remain in place until noon on Oct. 31, 2017, or until it is otherwise rescinded.

Area restrictions are put in place to help protect public safety and allow fire suppression efforts to continue efficiently and unhindered.

Under this order and Section 11(2) of the Wildfire Act, a person must not remain in or enter the Elephant Hill wildfire restricted area without prior written authorization of an official designated for the purposes of the Wildfire Act, unless the person enters the area only in the course of:

* travelling to or from his or her principal residence that is not under an evacuation order;

* travelling to or from leased property for the purpose of accessing a secondary residence or recreational property not under an evacuation order;

* using a highway as defined in the Transportation Act;

* travelling as a person acting in an official capacity;

* travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression activities;

* engaging and/or participating in a commercial activity within the regular course of the person's business or employment; and

* engaging and/or participating in agricultural activities pertaining to livestock management between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on private or leased property.

This area restriction order applies to all Crown land outlined on the map available online at: http://ow.ly/vuzi30exQOf

As shown on this map, the area restriction includes the southern portion of Green Lake and extends to about the middle of the lake. A Conservation Officer Service boat is regularly patrolling Green Lake to ensure that no one enters the restricted area and that there is no interference with firefighting operations that use water from the lake.

The BC Wildfire Service is urging the public to abide by this area restriction, so they don't impede fire suppression operations. RCMP and Conservation Officer Service patrols within the restricted area are intended to ensure that the public remains clear of this area. The safety of the public and firefighting personnel is the top priority of the BC Wildfire Service.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:

* Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo

* Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Contacts:

Rosalie MacAulay
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 713-8522

Claire Allen
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 319-2205


Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect