North Cowichan closes forest access gates as wildfire risk increases on Vancouver Island

Firefighters have made headway on a wildfire burning on Mount Prevost west of Duncan, B.C., with officials now reporting the blaze is being held.

Drivers heading into some of North Cowichan’s forested areas will soon face closed gates as the municipality takes action to limit wildfire risks during the height of the summer season.

Starting July 9, vehicle access will be restricted at several forestry gates, including routes leading to Mount Prevost, Mount Sicker and Grace Road. The seasonal closures are intended to reduce the chances of human activity sparking a wildfire during a period when forests are more vulnerable to ignition.

The timing comes as crews continue battling a wildfire on the west side of Mount Prevost. While some roads remain accessible to support firefighting operations, officials are asking the public to avoid the area and leave room for emergency responders working on the incident.

The restrictions do not affect people accessing the forest reserve by non-motorized means. Visitors can continue to hike, cycle and ride horses in the area while following wildfire safety guidelines.

North Cowichan is reminding residents and visitors that small actions can have serious consequences during dry conditions. Activities involving flames, heat or sparks, including campfires and vehicle exhaust, can quickly become wildfire hazards.

Overnight camping, recreational fires and fireworks are not allowed anywhere within the Municipal Forest Reserve.

Anyone who spots a wildfire or sees behaviour that could put the forest at risk is encouraged to report it immediately by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cellphone.

The access restrictions are expected to remain in place through the summer and are typically removed in the fall when cooler, wetter weather lowers the risk of wildfire.

North Cowichan manages a number of forestry access points throughout the municipality, including areas around Mount Prevost, Maple Mountain, Mount Tzouhalem, Sicker Mountain, Stoney Hill, Grace Road, Panorama Ridge and Fuller Lake.