Officials have closed off access to the forested areas surrounding Merritt, B.C., due to fears about human-caused wildfires. Merritt Fire Chief David A. Tomkinson issued an order Monday closing all forests “along the periphery of the municipality,” including trails used for hiking and biking, effective until Sept. 15 at the earliest. Tomkinson told CTV News the preventative measure was prompted by concerns over the wildfires threatening other communities in the province. Merritt is located less than a 90-minute drive from the evacuated district municipality of Summerland. “With the current conditions, limiting access and human activity in these areas helps reduce the potential for accidental ignitions,” Tomkinson said in an email. “Given our limited local firefighting resources, preventing a fire start and identifying one as early as possible are especially important.” The fire chief stressed that order—issued under city bylaw—is a “complete area closure, not simply a motorized vehicle restriction.” No one is allowed on the trails, including those on foot or bicycle. Some of the prohibited areas include Lookout Road, Colletville and Windy Canyon.
