Prince George, B.C. – Wildfire concerns have led to the partial closure of Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Backcountry access to specific areas of the park was closed at 8 this morning in an effort to protect public safety.

The partial closure was a coordinated effort between BC Parks, the BC Wildfire Service and Recreation Sites and Trails BC.

Members of the public will still have access to most of the major day-use sites in the highway corridor through the park, plus campgrounds and marine campsites. All other areas of the park (and adjacent recreation sites and trails that provide backcountry entry points) will be closed.

Anyone in a closed area of the park should leave immediately. This partial closure will remain in effect until further notice.

This partial closure is being implemented to reduce the number of people in the park since locating and safely evacuating the numerous users who visit the park each day would be extremely difficult in an emergency situation.

The closure will ensure that backcountry users can leave the park in an orderly and safe manner, while allowing commercially guided groups to still access the park.

For more information on the partial closure visit www.bcparks.ca.