Water samples taken from the shore of Polley Lake on Aug. 7, 2014, have been tested and are very close to historical levels prior to the Aug. 4, 2014, tailings pond breach at Imperial Mines.

Government and Cariboo Regional District officials continue to work together to address the breach at the Mount Polley tailings pond, to test the local drinking water to determine if it is safe for locals to drink or bathe in, and to help ensure the safety and well-being of local residents.

Effective at noon on May 16, 2014, Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

The Cariboo Fire Centre is encouraging the public to exercise caution when doing any outdoor burning this spring.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations advises that prescribed burning is planned for several areas west and south of Williams Lake between Sept. 24 and Oct. 31, weather conditions permitting.

Users of off-road vehicles, including ATV riders, are reminded to obey recreational use restrictions currently in effect in the Yanks Peak and Eureka Peak sub-alpine areas east of Williams Lake.

Effective at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 3, the open burning prohibition in the Cariboo Fire Centre will be rescinded due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Effective at 12 noon on Friday, Aug. 9, the Cariboo Fire Centre will extend its campfire ban to the northwestern portion of the region.

Effective at 12 noon on Thursday, Aug. 1, all campfires are banned in all areas of the Southern Cariboo Fire Centre.

Effective at noon on Monday, April 15, open burning will be prohibited across the entire Cariboo Fire Centre to help prevent person-caused wildfires and to protect the public.