Wildfire Management Branch crews from the Northwest Fire Centre have responded to eight new fires in the last 24 hours in the Smithers, Terrace, Hazleton and Telkwa areas.

With weather conditions expected to remain dry in the coming week, water users in the Bulkley and Skeena watersheds are being urged to reduce water consumption.

The fire danger rating in the Northwest Fire Centre currently ranges from “high” to “extreme”. Dry conditions are expected to continue and no substantial rainfall is in the forecast.

Late today and overnight, a cold front coming in from the Pacific will result in increased winds of 20 km per hour in the vicinity of the China Nose fire, with gusts up to 40...

The Northwest Fire Centre has issued an area restriction order for areas surrounding the China Nose fire, currently burning about 15 km southeast of Houston, effective 6:00 p.m. Aug. 14.

Crews are working to contain the China Nose wildfire, currently burning about 15 kilometres southeast of Houston.

Effective at 4 p.m. on Aug. 12, 2014, campfires and open burning will be prohibited in some areas of the Northwest Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

People living between the communities of Smithers and Vanderhoof may notice heavy smoke in the air as a result of the Chelaslie River wildfire.

Effective at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2014, campfires will once again be permitted throughout the Northwest Fire Centre's jurisdiction.

Effective at 4 p.m. on July 17, 2014, campfires and open burning will be prohibited in some portions of the Northwest Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.