City of Mission to close its municipal forest due to extreme wildfire risk

MISSION — The Mission Municipal Forest will close this Thursday, August 24 due to extreme wildfire risk as ordered by its municipal fire chief.

In a statement Tuesday morning (Aug. 22), the city says this closure includes users of the BC Hydro boat launch, Stave West Forest and Recreation Area, Hunter Road, and Red and Bear Mountain. Only vehicles travelling to designated and reserved campsites will be permitted in the area at this time.

“As we have all witnessed in recent days, the risk of wildfire in interface areas has never been more real and present,” said Mayor Paul Horn. “Here in Mission, our forest constitutes literally half of our community and countless people would be displaced or adversely affected by a wildfire. Indeed, this area provides both drinking water and electricity to many local homes, so any harm to the area would have a long-lasting effect.

The closure will remain in place until the fire risk diminishes, at which time the city of Mission will provide an update on mission.ca and across social media channels.