Cyclist/hikers using trails in active wildfires endangering themselves and firefighters
By Kyra Hoggan
Area residents are being asked to be more cognizant of wildfire danger, as continued use of the Seven Summits Trail near Rossland is creating a potentially very serious safety issue.
“We’re getting reports today (Thursday) that there are still cyclists using the trail,” said Southeast Fire Centre information officer Karlie Shaughnessy. “We are asking cyclists and even hikers not to use the trail, as it goes through an active wildfire and presents a danger to them and to our firefighters.”
She said there are signs posted at the trail head, in Rossland itself, and all over the web, including on the city’s Facebook page as well as on the Rossland Trail Society page.
The original press release regarding the trail closure is as follows:
A public access restriction for areas around the Big Sheep Creek wildfire west of Rossland will take effect immediately and remain in force until the public is otherwise notified.
This restriction is being put in place to protect the safety of the public and firefighting personnel and closes the Seven Summits Trail at the intersection of Red Resort to the intersection at the Old Cascade Highway. The Seven Summits Trail remains open from the Nancy Greene Summit to Red Mountain Resort.
This area restriction order applies to Crown land within the geographic boundaries outlined below:
The intersection of the Seven Summits Trails and the old Rossland Cascade Highway (GPS 49° 1.813′ N 117 53.826′ W) north to the intersection of the Seven Summits Trails and the Top of Red Mountain Resort (GPS 49° 6.330′ N 117 52.138″ W)
A map of the affected areas is available online at: http://bit.ly/1JnOgdL
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