Don't Try To Dodge Police Checkpoints

Police are letting communities know that there will be fines for those who try to dodge police checkpoints to get into restricted wildfire evacuation zones.

The Central Okanagan Regional District says people have been trying to dodge RCMP checkpoints.

"Enforcement of the area restriction continues to be a challenge as members of the public are still being reported in the area, attempting to access properties by boat from Okanagan Lake and forestry roads," says a regional district statement.

"RCMP and conservation officer staff are in place for the foreseeable future to continue checkpoint security and continue to enforce the area restriction order."

About 400 properties remain on evacuation order and another 12-thousand properties are on evacuation alert.

Officials say some people have attempted to reach properties by boat or access roads within the restricted area - those caught could face fines of up to $1,150.

There are still more than 400 fires burning across British Columbia.

Dozens are burning out of control on Vancouver Island but officials, while keeping an eye on things, are letting go on their own.