Smoke and flames from burning piles of waste wood may be visible next to the Castlegar Golf Club as early as next week.

Effective at noon today, Oct. 15, 2012, campfires and all open fires will be permitted across the Southeast Fire Centre's jurisdiction, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

The public is reminded that, despite cooler temperatures in recent days, drought-like conditions persist in many of the Southeast Fire Centre's fire zones.

Effective at noon PDT on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012, the prohibitions on open fires in the Southeast Fire Centre will be extended.

A surge in the number of abandoned campfires, combined with high temperatures throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, has fire officials urging recreationalists to be extremely careful with campfires.

An open burning prohibition has been in effect in the Southeast Fire Centre since July 13 and will remain in effect until Sept. 19 or until the public is otherwise notified.

Effective at noon on Friday, July 13, 2012, all open fires are prohibited within the Southeast Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. The prohibition will remain in place until Sept. 19, or until the public is otherwise notified.

Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson is reminding the public to exercise caution when conducting outdoor burns this spring.

Effective at 12 noon on Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, all open fires will be permitted in the Southeast Fire Centre's jurisdiction due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Effective at 12 noon on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, backyard burning will be permitted within the Southeast Fire Centre due to a decreased risk of wildfires.