Wildfire damaged areas remain closed to vehicles

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Maps of the closed areas can be found at the B.C. Government’s website. All forest service roads, except those identified in green, are closed to motor vehicles, as are all recreational trails and trail networks.

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The closure applies to all motorized vehicles including automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motorhomes, electric bikes, and all types of off-road recreational vehicles wheeled or tracked.

The backcountry road access remains closed as there are still concerns regarding wildfire impacts on habitats that need time to recover; erosion of charred soils and impacts to fish habitat; increased vulnerability of wildlife due to migration disruptions, habitat loss and improved sight lines for hunting where vegetation was burned; and increased access due to the construction of about 2,900 kilometres of fire guards.

There is no “sunset clause” in the Motor Vehicle Prohibition Regulation, but the province said it plans to replace the closures after approximately 18 months, where appropriate, with site-specific mechanisms.

The closure areas can still be accessed by non-motorized means for any recreational purpose, including hunting, though the province states that the area is sensitive to disturbances and asks people to minimize their impacts by staying on existing roads and trails.

Enforcement patrols will ensure compliance with these prohibitions is upheld.

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