South Cariboo included in provincewide recreational off-road vehicle ban amid wildfire concerns

KAMLOOPS — Residents and visitors in the South Cariboo are being urged to stay out of the backcountry after the B.C. government implemented a temporary ban on the recreational use of off-road vehicles on Crown land in several fire-threatened regions of the province.

The prohibition took effect at noon on Monday, Aug. 10, and includes parts of the Cariboo Fire Centre, covering much of the South Cariboo in the 100 Mile House Forest District. The measure is intended to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during what officials describe as a period of extreme fire activity, prolonged dry conditions and elevated fire danger ratings.

The BC Wildfire Service says off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and side-by-side vehicles, can unintentionally ignite fires through hot exhaust systems, sparks or contact with dry vegetation. With August traditionally the most active month of wildfire season, officials say limiting recreational vehicle use is a preventative step aimed at protecting communities, firefighters and critical resources.

The temporary ban applies only to recreational use on Crown land. It does not affect private property, national parks, or vehicle use by emergency responders, agricultural operators and commercial or industrial users carrying out business activities.