The Northwest Fire Centre is urging the public to exercise caution with any outdoor burning activities, since hot and dry weather is expected this week in the northern part of the fire centre.

The Northwest Fire Centre is urging the public to exercise caution with any outdoor burning activities this week due to more hot and dry weather expected in the region.

Effective at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, open fires will be permitted throughout the Northwest Fire Centre due to a decreased risk of wildfire.

Effective at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, an open fire prohibition will be lifted for most of the Northwest Fire Centre, with the exception of the Morice, Bulkley and Lakes timber supply areas.

Smoky skies in the B.C. Interior are the result of several large forest fires, including the Entiako Lake fire in the northeast corner of Tweedsmuir Park. The smoke from these fires has drifted down the coast to Bella Coola, east to Prince George and as far south as Kamloops.

Effective at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012, all open fires are prohibited throughout the Northwest Fire Centre, with the exception of the former North Coast Forest District, the Cassiar Fire Zone and the portion of the Skeena Fire Zone north of the Meziadin Junction.

People living in communities east of Tweedsmuir Park may see more smoke or haze than usual in their areas over the weekend, due to a forest fire burning in the park.

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.