Off-road vehicle prohibition lifted in Southeast Fire Centre

An off-road vehicle prohibition on Crown land throughout the Southeast Fire Centre was lifted at noon Friday as recent rainfall reduced the wildfire risk.

The B.C. Wildfire Service said improved conditions allowed it to lift the restriction, although the agency warned wildfire conditions can change quickly.

The prohibition applied to all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and off-road side-by-side vehicles.

Campfires and Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre.

Other prohibited equipment and activities include air curtain burners, carbonizers, fireworks, binary exploding targets, burn barrels and burn cages, controlled air incinerators and sky lanterns.

Wood-fired hot tubs, wood-fired pizza ovens and other wood-fired devices are also prohibited unless they are vented through a structure with a flue and incorporated into a building.

Area restrictions remain in effect around a number of wildfires in the region, and the wildfire service advised people to check for local restrictions before travelling.

The agency also urged people using off-road vehicles to ensure they are properly maintained and equipped with safe and effective spark arrestors.

The lifting of the prohibition applies to Crown land outside municipal boundaries and to certain lands within municipal boundaries, including parks, conservancies, recreation areas and sites, recreation trails, ecological reserves, wildlife management areas and private managed forest land.

Municipalities may impose their own restrictions based on local conditions.

The wildfire service urged people to stay clear of active wildfire operations, obey posted signs and follow directions from emergency personnel.

People travelling in the region should check current B.C. Wildfire Service prohibitions and restrictions and DriveBC for road conditions before heading out.

Kate Brown
Kate Brown
Kate is a proud mom of two with a wealth of journalism, media and communications experience. Born in Australia, Kate moved to the Kootenays for a change in lifestyle and now spends her days enjoying the mountains, lakes and activities the region has to offer.

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