Stay off Mabel Lake FSR

Photo: Contributed

As wildfires continue to burn in the hills above Mabel Lake, crews are again asking the public to stay away from the Mabel Lake FSR. 

Crews want the public to stay away from KM 10 – 59 on the Mabel Lake FSR in order to allow BC Forestry crews space in battling the wildfires.

The Regional District of North Okanagan renewed the plea in a Tuesday morning press release.

"Our main goal is to ensure the safety of the community, as well as the safety as those protecting it," stated Mike Fox, RDNO general manager of community services. "Closing off sections of Mabel Lake Road will decrease the risk in vehicle collisions due to hazardous road conditions, and also increase the safety of our forestry crews." 

The FSR road closure effects Mabel Lake Road to all recreational traffic from KM 10 (North of Mabel Lake Provincial Park) to KM 59 (at the junction of Highway 1), including all recreational sites along this section of road.

An Area Restriction Order was put in place on August 4, 2018 as a result of fires in the Mabel Lake region. The restriction will remain in place until September 15, or until the Order is rescinded. 

Residents living in the Mabel Lake Holdings community, or other private residences along Mabel Lake Road will not be affected by this closure.

"The safety of the public and responders is our highest priority, and these roads are narrow with limited visibility," stated Jane Park, incident commander on the incident management team. "These factors, combined with the fire hazards is what has caused these closures. We are working with Compliance and Enforcement Natural Resource Officers to patrol the closed areas with onsite security."