Starting July 9, the municipality of North Cowichan will be closing forestry gates and restricting vehicle access to Mount Prevost, Mount Sicker and Grace Road, to help reduce wildfire risks in the area. The municipality notes that access roads to Mount Prevost will remain open for firefighting efforts, as a 2.23 hectare wildfire continues to burn on the west side of the mountain.  Access to the areas that have been closed by forestry gates will remain open to visitors using non-motorized means, such as hiking, biking and horseback riding. “Everyone is reminded to be extremely careful with campfires, vehicle exhaust, and other potential fire-causing activities,” said the municipality Tuesday. “Overnight camping, campfires, and fireworks are not permitted in the Municipal Forest Reserve at any time.” It’s unclear when the forestry gates will reopen, but North Cowichan says they are “typically reopened in the fall, once rain has returned and the fire risk is reduced.”