B.C. bans recreational off-road vehicles in fire centres through October
Effective Monday, riders face $1,150 fines for operating ATVs and motorcycles on Crown land in high-risk zones. Those responsible for wildfire ignition may be ordered to pay all firefighting costs.
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Effective noon Monday, August 10, the B.C. government has prohibited recreational off-road vehicles across Crown land in the Kamloops Fire Centre, Southeast Fire Centre, and parts of the Cariboo and Coastal Fire Centres—a "prevention and mitigation tactic" during hot, dry weather.
The ban covers all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and off-road side-by-sides used for recreation. Violators face a ticket of up to $1,150. If the activity causes a wildfire, riders may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
"Off-road vehicles can lead to unintentional ignitions that can spark wildfires," the province said in a release.
The prohibition does not apply to private land or national parks, nor to emergency responders or commercial and agricultural users operating vehicles for their occupation. The Coastal Fire Centre exempts the North Island/Mid Coast, Mid Island, and Sunshine Coast areas from the ban.
The ban runs until October 9 at noon, or until the province rescinds the order. August is traditionally the most active month of the wildfire season; given the current number of fires burning across B.C., elevated fire danger ratings, and extremely dry conditions, the BC Wildfire Service is urging people to stay out of the backcountry in these regions entirely.
To report an off-road violation, residents can call the RAPP (Report All Poachers and Polluters) line at 1-877-952-7277 or report online.
How many off-road violations and wildfire incidents were attributed to off-road vehicles in 2025?
Will the ban be extended beyond October 9 if fire conditions remain extreme?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When does the B.C. off-road vehicle ban take effect?
The ban took effect at noon on Monday, August 10, 2026.
What's the fine for riding an ATV or motorcycle in a banned fire centre?
Violators face a ticket of up to $1,150 for operating recreational off-road vehicles in prohibited areas.
When does the ban end?
The prohibition runs until October 9, 2026 at noon, or until the province rescinds the order.
Which fire centres are affected by the ban?
The ban covers Crown land in the Kamloops Fire Centre, Southeast Fire Centre, and parts of the Cariboo and Coastal Fire Centres, with exemptions for certain areas of the Coastal Fire Centre.
