Effective at noon on Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, campfires and other types of open burning will be prohibited in some areas of the Northwest Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

The BC Wildfire Service is monitoring a 40-hectare wildfire burning in Granby Provincial Park. Depending on wind direction, drifting smoke from this fire may be visible in the Lower Arrow Lake region, Castlegar and surrounding communities.

Despite normal flows for many streams and Level 1 drought conditions elsewhere within the Nicola region, low flows in the Coldwater River system are nearing Level 4, or “extremely dry,” drought conditions.

The Valemount Glacier Destination Resort – a potential year-round skiing and alpine resort worth $175 million – has taken another step forward with the B.C. government’s approval of the master plan.

Effective at noon on Aug. 17, 2016, campfires and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, with the exception of Haida Gwaii and the area known as the “Fog Zone”.

Effective at noon on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016, Category 2 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Prince George Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

The BC Wildfire Service would like the public to be aware of smoky conditions on Highway 37 from Wheeler Lake to the Yukon border and along the Alaska Highway, due to the Blue River wildfire.

The Province has issued a First Nations woodland licence to Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band, enhancing employment and economic opportunities in the region.

As a result of prolonged dry conditions along the coast, the Province is urging water users in the Skeena and Nass regions to voluntary reduce water use by 30%.