City of Merritt Rescinds Wildfire Area Closure
EFFECTIVE DATE: Friday, August 28, 2026 at Noon
Merritt, BC (08-28-2026) The City of Merritt is rescinding the Area Closure that restricted public access to forested areas around the community, effective noon on Friday, August 28th.
Regional and local wildfire conditions have improved significantly since the Area Closure was implemented. In addition, the heavy smoke that previously reduced visibility and could have delayed the detection of new fire starts is no longer a significant concern.
With these improved conditions, the additional restrictions provided by the Area Closure are no longer considered necessary, and normal public access to these areas may resume.
While conditions have improved, wildfire season is not over. Wildfire risk remains present throughout the fire season, and conditions can change quickly. Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant when using forested and recreational areas, use caution with any activity that could cause an ignition, and continue to follow all provincial fire prohibitions and restrictions that remain in effect.
The City thanks residents and visitors for their cooperation and understanding while the Area Closure was in place.
Absolute Closure in Effect
EFFECTIVE DATE: Friday, August 14, 2026
- Walking, including dog walking
- People entering on foot
- Pets
- Vehicles
- Horses
- Mountain biking
- Any other recreational or non-essential access
Bylaw 2389
- The Fire Chief may close areas where they believe hazardous conditions of the forest cover or the occurrence or spread of fire in any Forest endanger life or property in any area within the City. 21. The length of any closure is at the discretion of the Fire Chief.
- No persons may enter or be in the closed area for any purpose without specific authorization of the Fire Chief.
- No operations of any class specified in the Order may be carried on within the closed area.
24. The Fire Chief may erect fences, gates, barriers, post signs or other measures at their discretion to prevent persons from entering closed areas and forested areas.
For More Information Contact:
City of Merritt
Phone: 250.378.4224
Email: info@merritt.ca
City of Merritt Fire Chief Orders Area Closures Effective Immediately
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 10, 2026
Merritt, BC (08-10-2026) The Fire Chief has ordered the closure of all forested areas along the periphery of the municipality, in accordance with the applicable Municipal Bylaw. This closure will remain in effect until September 15, 2026, at which time conditions will be reassessed and the closure reviewed.
The closure prohibits all unauthorized access to affected forested areas and trails, including, but not limited to areas above the Bench, Lookout Road (Flagpole), Collettville, Windy Canyon and the access to trails above Exit 286 that are within the City.
“The public is asked to respect this closure and refrain from entering these areas until further notice.”
Bylaw 2389
- The Fire Chief may close areas where they believe hazardous conditions of the forest cover or the occurrence or spread of fire in any Forest endanger life or property in any area within the City. 21. The length of any closure is at the discretion of the Fire Chief.
- No persons may enter or be in the closed area for any purpose without specific authorization of the Fire Chief.
- No operations of any class specified in the Order may be carried on within the closed area.
24. The Fire Chief may erect fences, gates, barriers, post signs or other measures at their discretion to prevent persons from entering closed areas and forested areas.
For More Information Contact:
City of Merritt
Phone: 250.378.4224
Email: info@merritt.ca
