Backcountry road users are advised that the roads closed in October 2021 across the Thompson Okanagan region, following 15 severe wildfires, will remain closed.

The closures were established under the Motor Vehicle Prohibition Regulation of the Wildlife Act and apply to backcountry roads across approximately 536,000 hectares. Roads were closed to allow areas to recover from wildfire impacts including:

• erosion of charred soils and impacts on fish habitat;
• increased vulnerability of wildlife due to migration disruptions, habitat loss and loss of vegetation cover; and
• increased open areas due to construction of approximately 2,900 kilometres of fire guards.

Closure boundaries follow landmarks such as roads, rivers and streams near wildfire perimeters.

Some thoroughfares remain open, and the closures do not impact residents or access for commercial activities. The closures will remain in place during Ministry of Forests recovery efforts.

The affected areas are:

• Sparks Lake
• Momich Lake
• Tremont Creek
• Two Mile Road
• Bunting Road
• Hunakwa/Crazy Creek complex
• Thomas Creek
• Nk'Mip
• July Mountain
• White Rock Lake
• Garrison Lake
• Mckay Creek
• Mowhokam Creek
• Lytton complex

Users may apply to access certain closed roads within these areas on an individual basis.

Learn More:

To learn more about and see maps of the affected areas, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/motor-vehicle-prohibitions#wildfires

To read an FAQ on the Thompson Okanagan wildfire closures, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Wildfire_Closures_FAQ.pdf