Temporary ban in place for off-roading in the Okanagan, most of B.C.

Aug 10, 2026 | 12:46 PM

Effective immediately, off-roading in the Okanagan and Kamloops Fire Centre is not allowed.

As of noon Monday, August 10, a prohibition was in place on using all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and side-by-sides on Crown land in the Kamloops and Southeast Fire Centres, as well as in parts of the Cariboo and Coastal Fire Centres.

The Regional District of North Okanagan and District of Lake Country also followed this move by issuing temporary off-roading bans.

“Given the scope and scale of fires currently burning in B.C., and the elevated danger ratings in many southern regions of the province, this prohibition is being put into place to further protect public safety,” the B.C. Wildfire Service said in a release.

“During this period of extreme and unpredictable fire activity, the priority is public and first-responder safety and the prevention of human-caused wildfires. The operation of any off-road vehicles in these regions during the current wildfire situation creates a potential wildfire risk, such as unintentional ignitions that can lead to new fires,” the Ministries of Forests and Environment and Parks added in a joint release.

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The temporary prohibition will not apply to private land or national parks, nor will it affect the uses for emergency response, agriculture, commercial or industrial purposes.

The order will remain in place until October 9, or until lifted once conditions allow.

People found in contravention of the order could be fined up to $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000, or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to up to one year in jail.

If activities cause or contribute to a wildfire, the person involved could be fined up to $1-million and/or sentenced to up to three years in jail, as well as be responsible for all firefighting and associated costs.

People can report an off-road violation by calling the Reporting All Poachers and Polluters line at 1-877-952-7277, or through the online reporting service.

Wildfires can be reported to the BCWS through the agency’s Apple or Android app, by calling *5555 on a cell phone, or toll free at 1-800-663-5555.

by Liam Verster

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