Kamloops NewsMerritt calling for more restrictions in backcountry, but province says it’s not needed yetMerritt mayor wants full banPhoto: Andrew Holliday A Castanet reader snapped this photo of the Ainslie Creek wildfire from the Coquihalla Highway on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz wants a more sweeping backcountry ban to help prevent the start of more wildfires, and he hopes the province will see it his way after bringing the idea to their attention. Goetz said his city has taken the backcountry ban as far as it can as a municipality. Wildfire Service evaluates conditions and advises if and when such a ban is needed to reduce fire risk. “If they decide that conditions warranted, they will make a recommendation for a backcountry ban.