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

Water samples taken on Aug. 9, 2014, from three locations in the Quesnel River and Quesnel Lake have been tested and confirm that all samples, once again, meet provincial and federal drinking water guidelines.

Government and Cariboo Regional District (CRD) officials continue to work together to address and investigate the breach at the Mount Polley tailings pond, to continue testing local water samples, to help ensure the safety and well-being of local residents, and to assist with recovery efforts in the region.

The Wildfire Management Branch is responding to a wildfire about 14 kilometres west of Bull Canyon on the north side of Highway 20. It currently covers an estimated 600 hectares.

Residents of Houston and the surrounding region may see increased levels of smoke this week due to a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southeast of the community.

Water samples taken by Ministry of Environment staff from the southeast corner of Polley Lake on Aug. 7 and 8, 2014, have been tested and are very close to historical levels taken prior to the Aug. 4, 2014, tailings pond breach.

Wildfire Management Branch personnel will be conducting a controlled burn on Tuesday, Aug. 12 and Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, (weather permitting) to help contain the Slocan Park wildfire.

Government and Cariboo Regional District (CRD) 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.

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick issued the following statement on the Agricultural Land Commission Act consultation:

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.