Two more First Nations have reached pipeline benefits agreements with the B.C. government to bring increased economic development and further prosperity to their communities.

Another 41 Wildfire Management Branch personnel, including two unit crews and one agency representative, are being deployed to Alberta to assist with that province’s wildfire situation.

Crews from the Wildfire Management Branch are responding to a new wildfire in the northwest corner of the province. It currently covers about 12 hectares near Kakiddi Creek, 25 kilometres west of Iskut.

The Wildfire Management Branch is sending 88 personnel and two fixed-wing aircraft to Alberta to aid in fire suppression efforts, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson announced.

Since April 1, 2015, the Wildfire Management Branch has responded to 39 wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre. Of those fires, 34 were human-caused and therefore preventable.

The first phase of improvements to the waterfront Gyro Beach area in Osoyoos is complete in time for the summer season. The $600,000 Phase A includes construction of a lighted stone walkway, boardwalk, extended grassy areas, tables, benches, trees and extensive landscaping.

Smoke from the Cherry Creek prescribed burn will remain visible in the surrounding area as residual fuels behind the well-established containment lines continue to burn.