In the past week, the Southeast Fire Centre has responded to 84 new lightning-caused fires. The vast majority of these fires have been small, and many are already contained.

As wildfire activity continues to increase throughout the province, the Wildfire Management Branch will welcome over 220 additional fire personnel on Friday and Saturday.

Government and Cariboo Regional District 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.

Two clean energy agreements with the B.C. government will allow the Squamish Nation and the Tsleil-Waututh Nation to share provincial revenue from the Culliton Creek run-of-river hydroelectric project.

The operator of the Mount Polley mine has been ordered by the Ministry of Environment to take immediate action to stop the further release of mine tailings into nearby waterways from the Aug. 4, 2014, impoundment facility dam breach, and to submit environmental impact assessments and clean-up action plans to the ministry.

A series of agreements with the B.C. government will enable First Nations on Vancouver Island to share provincial revenue on clean energy projects through the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF).

The Cariboo Fire Centre has responded to 25 new wildfires since the B.C. Day long weekend. Lightning is believed to be the cause of all these fires.

A contingent of specialized wildfire personnel from Australia will be coming to B.C. to assist with wildfire response.