Effective at noon Pacific Time on Wednesday, June 24, Category 2 open fires will be prohibited in the Southeast Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

The Wildfire Management Branch has sent additional firefighting personnel and resources to Alaska to assist with wildfire suppression efforts there.

While cooler and wetter conditions have allowed firefighters to make good progress on the 700 hectare Elaho wildfire, 67 kilometres west of Pemberton, a return to warm and dry conditions next week may challenge crews.

Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy exploring this province's spectacular backcountry need to do it responsibly and be aware of their legal obligations, or else they may face hefty fines and possible jail time.

Effective at noon on Thursday, June 18, 2015, open burning will once again be permitted throughout the Prince George Fire Centre's jurisdiction.

First Nations, industry and members of the public can now access science-based information on water supply in the Omineca region with the release of the Omineca Water Tool, a leading edge, GIS-based program that supports decision-making on water-use planning and approvals.

The Elaho wildfire, which is burning about 67 kilometres west of Pemberton, has now grown to 650 hectares.

The Wildfire Management Branch is responding to a 1.5-hectare wildfire near the southern end of Lakelse Lake, about 19 kilometres southwest of Terrace. The fire was sparked by lightning.

Smoke from the Elaho wildfire, burning 67 kilometres west of Pemberton, continues to drift into the Squamish/Pemberton valley.