With most of the province experiencing above-normal drought conditions, the BC Wildfire Service is urging people to use caution and remain vigilant to prevent human-caused fires when enjoying the outdoors this weekend.

The wait is over and the smell of grilled beef is in the air as the B.C. government, ranchers and the public celebrate B.C. Beef Day with a barbecue outside the Parliament Buildings.

The Province is urging people on B.C.’s North Coast to prepare and be diligent as Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued weather alerts for heavy rain, strong winds and freezing temperatures, expected to arrive Saturday, Nov. 20 and last until Tuesday, Nov. 23.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has indicated that an intense, low-pressure system is headed toward northern Vancouver Island, bringing strong southeasterly winds for the South Coast on Sunday afternoon through to Monday.

Drought conditions and aggressive fire behaviour have contributed to this year’s extreme wildfire season.

Concerns about water supply security, drought and water scarcity remain an issue for most of the southern half of British Columbia even as cooler temperatures and rain have arrived.

As drought conditions continue for much of the southern Interior, water restriction orders are now in place for two areas in the Thompson-Okanagan region.

The continued unprecedented dry and hot conditions in British Columbia’s southern Interior has prompted government to increase the drought level in the Okanagan to 4.