Terrace Mountain Fire- update as of July 29

For those of you who aren't in the area, or haven’t had access to the news, there has been a huge amount of fire activity in the Okanagan in the past weeks with 2 fires in the Kelowna area and one (Terrace Mountain Fire) near/in the Bear Creek OHV area.

The best place to get the most current information on the Fire is at www.bcwildfire.ca (Terrace Mountain) or at www.castanet.net

We do not yet have detailed information as to the exact impact of the Terrace Mtn Fire on the Bear Creek OHV area but we believe that a portion of the northern boundary will likely have suffered some damage. We will pass on further information when it is received.

There is currently a Ministry of Forest road block on Bear Main, as this is one of the roads used to access the Fire area. Forestry Officers are stopping people to determine their need to go into the area. They would prefer to not have riders and users in the area due to the Fire equipment and worker traffic on the access roads and also because of the Fire Hazard conditions. These concerns combine together to create a potentially extreme risk situation in the area.

We would advise riders that Forest Use restrictions may be implemented. If a closure restriction is implemented, please respect and support those who have made this serious decision.

We would highly recommend that you do not make plans to use the Bear Creek OHV Area without first insuring that it is open for use. A formal closure would be reported to us and we will send out the information and post on the website http://www.okanagantrailriders.com/bearcreek/index.htm as soon as possible.

An important reminder that there's a campfire ban in our area:
http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp
If you see anyone with a campfire please make sure they understand that there is a ban in place and aid them to put out the fire and/or report their activity immediately by calling: 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cellular phone.

Some other general reminders for summer riding:

• please use extreme caution if you ride during times of higher risk. Make sure you carry plenty of water, have a spark arrestor, don't smoke in the back country, and strongly consider not riding on days when higher ratings do occur.
• Do not ride/use Forested areas during extreme rated conditions.
• Don't forget that it's not just riding areas that are effected by High Fire Hazard ratings. Use all Park & Recreational areas with respect during higher risk times. Respect any closures. Protect our Parklands.
• the Terrace Mountain Fire mop up will be continuing for some time so we'd like to remind riders that it is entirely inappropriate and, for most the most part, illegal to ride or block Terrace Main or Bear Creek Main as your presence may cause danger to yourselves and those who need to be on that road. Stay far away from the fire area and access roads and let people safely work.

Helpful links:
Fire Hazard Index ratings (for the Kamloops Fire Centre)
http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/DgrCls/index.asp?Region=5

Forest Restrictions:
http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

Thanks for your anticipated cooperation. Ride and play responsibly and protect our riding areas and Parklands!!