“We do not take this step lightly; however, we must reduce the potential for more wildfires throughout the province,” Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks said in a release. “Quite simply, OHV recreational use under our current conditions has the very real potential to contribute to an already catastrophic wildfire season.”
OHVs include all-terrain vehicles, four-wheel vehicles, motorcycles and related two-wheel vehicles and amphibious (belonging to land and sea) machines.
The restrictions do not apply to farmers, or indigenous people using off-highway vehicles for farming, business or traditional uses.
While it may inconvenience some, officials say they need total cooperation to help emergency crews fight the blazes.
“Our fire crews are working around the clock to battle wildfires in Fort McMurray and around the province,” Oneil Carlier, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry said in a release. “All Albertans can do their part to help ensure firefighters can focus their resources on the areas of greatest need.”
The restrictions will be in place until further notice.