People living in the communities of Burns Lake, Southside, Fraser Lake and Vanderhoof may notice smoke in the air as a result of a wildfire burning south of the Chelaslie River.

Effective at noon Pacific Time on Friday, July 11, 2014, open fires will be prohibited in the Prince George Fire Centre, with the exception of the Fort Nelson Fire Zone, to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

The Northwest Fire Centre is encouraging the public to use caution when performing any outdoor burning, due to gusty winds and a continued drying trend in the forecast.

The Thompson River steelhead fishery opening has been extended until Oct. 31, subject to conservation requirements.

The Wildfire Management Branch is sending additional personnel to the Northwest Territories to aid in fire suppression efforts.

The Cariboo Fire Centre is responding to three fires caused by lightning storms that moved through the Quesnel, Barkerville and Wells areas on Wednesday, July 2, 2014.

The Northwest Fire Centre is responding to a 25-hectare fire near the west end of Takysie Lake, approximately 6 km south of the community of Southside.

Prince George Fire Centre personnel have responded to 20 new fires in the past 48 hours, 15 of which were caused by lightning.