Effective at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, 2017, the area restriction that’s been in place around the Elephant Hill wildfire north of Ashcroft was rescinded. The BC Wildfire Service no longer needs to restrict access to the area to protect public safety or conduct its firefighting operations.

Here in British Columbia, forests have always been a vital part of our way of life ― anchoring our economy, and providing both recreation and tourism opportunities. 

The recent downturn in the weather has decreased the number of new wildfire starts and reduced aggressive wildfire behaviour in the Southeast Fire Centre. Initial attacks on new wildfires have been successful.

Due to decreased fire activity, cooler weather and recent progress made by firefighting crews, regional districts in the Southeast Fire Centre and the BC Wildfire Service have made some changes to existing area restrictions and evacuation alerts.

Effective at noon on Sept. 18, 2017, the BC Wildfire Service has rescinded the campfire prohibition that was in effect within the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction. The use of tiki torches (and similar kinds of torches), outdoor stoves, gas stoves and other portable campfire equipment is also now permitted.

Even as firefighters continue to battle blazes throughout the province, the British Columbia government is already implementing a long-term plan to recover from this year’s unprecedented wildfire activity and support affected British Columbians.

With hot and dry conditions continuing in the East Kootenay region, the BC Wildfire Service is anticipating an increase in new wildfire activity and is monitoring growth on existing fires in the region today.

Responding to continuing warm and dry conditions, the Province has announced a Level 4 drought rating for the South Thompson, Kettle and Granby watersheds.

Effective at noon on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017, campfires will once again be allowed in the entire Northwest Fire Centre.

Summer is gradually coming to a close, but the wildfire risk in many parts of the province remains a very serious concern. British Columbians are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant to help prevent human-caused wildfires.