Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto was joined by B.C. Chamber of Commerce president and CEO John Winter and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake at Lee's Music Experience in Kamloops today to announce a consultation process with British Columbians for the B.C. Small Business Accord.

Effective today, Oct. 15, 2012, campfires and all open fires will be permitted in the Clearwater and Salmon Arm fire zones due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Students at Thompson Rivers University's law school will enjoy new, state-of-the-art lecture spaces and upgraded facilities through a provincial investment of up to $7.4 million.

With unseasonably warm and dry weather conditions expected to continue over the Thanksgiving Day long weekend, the Kamloops Fire Centre is urging the public to continue to be cautious with their outdoor activities.

The Wildfire Management Branch is working with the Keremeos Fire Department to control a wildfire five kilometres south of Cawston. The fire is estimated at 16 hectares.

Effective at noon on Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, open fire prohibitions in the Kamloops Fire Centre will be extended to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public. Due to recent warm and dry weather, 70 per cent of the region remains at a "high" or "extreme" fire danger rating.

Five B.C. mines were recognized for their outstanding achievements in reclamation practices at the Annual BC Mine Reclamation Awards banquet in Kamloops on Sept. 19.

British Columbia's Wildfire Management Branch is sending 103 personnel to Washington to aid with a number of fire complexes.

Mining has come back to British Columbia in a big way as the New Afton Mine celebrates its grand opening. The mine is the second new mine to open in as many years in the province.

Effective at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, the current campfire ban in the Vernon and Penticton fire zones will be rescinded due to a decreased risk of wildfires. Campfires will now be permitted throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.