Several wildfires that have sparked over the past few days have Kamloops fire officials urging the public to be careful with fire use and to pay attention to all open burning, including campfire, bans.

The B.C. government and industry are taking another step toward strengthening animal welfare in British Columbia by providing oversight of the sled dog industry, when the Professional Mushers Association of BC meets for the first time.

The public is reminded that there is a campfire ban in place for the Lillooet and Merritt fire zones. For those zones not covered by a campfire ban, the public is urged to never leave a campfire unattended or until it is fully extinguished.

Effective at 12 noon Friday, Aug. 12, 2011, all open burning, including campfires and fireworks, will be prohibited across the Merritt and Lillooet fire zones within the Kamloops Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

The Ministry of Environment and Encorp Pacific are continuing their initiative to bring a "bear smart" recycling program to B.C. provincial parks with the goal of keeping our parks safe and clean.

B.C.'s community visitor centres aren't just for visitors. They're also a source of inspiration on ways to entertain visiting relatives and friends.

The Province is investing $1.5 million over three years toward programs targeted to improve healthy living for Aboriginal youth through sport and recreation announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.