Off-road vehicles banned on Crown land in many parts of B.C. as wildfires burn

The B.C. government has announced that off-road vehicles will be banned on Crown land in several regions of the province, effective noon on Monday. This ban is in response to the ongoing wildfires and the heightened danger ratings in many southern areas of British Columbia. The prohibition applies to all off-road vehicles, including ATVs, motorcycles, and side-by-side vehicles, as well as all on-highway vehicles, which must remain on designated road surfaces.

The ban aims to prevent unintentional fires caused by recreational off-road vehicle use and to ensure that individuals in the backcountry have better access to emergency support if a fire starts. The restriction does not apply to private lands, national parks, emergency response personnel, or those operating off-road vehicles for agricultural or commercial purposes. The prohibition will remain in effect until October 9, or until the government decides to lift it.