New affordable rental housing is coming for families, seniors, individuals and people living with disabilities in Castlegar as construction has started on 13 new homes in the community.

With hot and dry conditions continuing in the East Kootenay region, the BC Wildfire Service is anticipating an increase in new wildfire activity and is monitoring growth on existing fires in the region today.

The BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public that the operation of off-road vehicles (ORVs) and all motorcycles for recreational purposes on Crown land continues to be prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre.

Due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures — and in consultation with the BC Wildfire Service — BC Parks reopened portions of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park for public use on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017.

The recent growth of two wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre has prompted the Columbia Shuswap Regional District to issue two evacuation alerts — one for the Galena Bay area and another for Heather Lodge and the surrounding area.

Effective at noon Pacific Time on Monday, July 3, 2017, Category 2 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

Effective at noon (Pacific Time) on Thursday, June 15, 2017, Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre’s jurisdiction to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

The BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public that the use of fireworks is banned in the Southeast Fire Centre, as part of the Category 2 and Category 3 open burning prohibitions implemented earlier this year to help reduce wildfire risks.

Parts of southeast British Columbia have received varying amounts of rainfall over the past week, but the campfire ban that’s been in place since July 3 throughout the Southeast Fire Centre’s jurisdiction will remain in place until the public is otherwise notified.

The Wildfire Management Branch will be conducting a prescribed burn near Tulip Creek in Syringa Provincial Park between March 13 and March 31, weather conditions permitting, in conjunction with BC Parks and BC Hydro's Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program.