British Columbia is deploying an additional group of firefighters and specialists to Northern Alberta as fire activity continues to challenge crews. Nine 20-person unit crews, two ignition specialists, 19 division supervisors, five radio operators and one agency representative will be leaving for Alberta today.

British Columbia will send more than 120 B.C. wildland firefighters to Alberta this week to help fight fires threatening Slave Lake and outlying communities.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has implemented strict water licence restrictions within the Chimney Creek watershed due to low winter snowpacks and potential drought conditions.

Effective at 12 noon on Monday, May 16, 2011, Category 2 open fires will be prohibited in parts of the Coastal Fire Centre's jurisdiction to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public.

A new report released by the Province today shows governments will need to continue working together to meet the challenge of climate change and rising sea levels over the next 90 years and beyond.