The Northwest Fire Centre is asking the public to be extra cautious with campfires because of a forecast of continued warm and dry weather.

Effective at noon on Friday, July 13, 2012, all open fires are prohibited within the Northwest Fire Centre with the exception of the former North Coast Forest District.

The Northwest Fire Centre has responded to seven fires within the past week, all of which were human-caused.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and BC Timber Sales are planning to conduct a 45-hectare prescribed burn near Topley over the next month to reduce the risk of wildfire and help maintain local ecosystems.

Anyone conducting spring burning this weekend is reminded to stay vigilant due to forecasts for warmer weather and gusty winds.

Smithers and Telkwa are receiving a combined total of $923,928 for two recreation projects that will help encourage physical activity and promote healthy lifestyles, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Tomorrow is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention and Support Day in B.C., and community outreach is taking place throughout the month to help raise awareness about the disorder and the struggles that families living with FASD go through every day.