Victoria/CMEDIA: The operation of any off-road vehicle for recreational purposes reportedly on Crown land is temporarily prohibited effective at noon (Pacific time) on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026 throughout Kamloops Fire Centre and Southeast Fire Centre, as well as parts of the Cariboo Fire Centre and Coastal Fire Centre.
Off-road vehicles include all-terrain vehicles, motorcycle, and off-road side-by-side vehicles.
August being the most active month of the wildfire season, the number of fires currently burning in B.C. elevates fire danger ratings and the extremely dry conditions in many parts of the province.
Prioritizing public and first-responder safety and the prevention of human-caused wildfires during this period of extreme and unpredictable fire activity, 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.
Not applicable to private lands or national parks, this temporary prohibition of off-road vehicles also does not apply to emergency responders or to agriculture or commercial/industrial users who operate vehicles for farming, emergency response or business purposes.
The potential for unintentional ignitions of wildfires that can be caused by backcountry activity can be mitigated and prevented and can lead to this temporary prohibition to be expanded and rescinded as required.
The BC Wildfire Service strongly urged people in British Columbia and visitors to stay out of the backcountry in these regions.
A violation ticket for as much as $1,150 can be issued to anyone found in contravention of this off-road vehicle prohibition.
In the case of contribution to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
To report a violation, call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at: 1-877-952-7277.
