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.

With hunting season underway, B.C. hunters are reminded that they can help manage moose populations by downloading and using the B.C. Moose Tracker app during their hunting trips this season.

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

In the interest of public safety, effective at noon Pacific Time on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, all Crown land within the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District is closed to public access due to the extreme fire danger rating, the number of unprecedented aggressive wildfires throughout the region and moderate winds forecasted over the next few days.

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.

Due to recent wildfire activity in the Southeast Fire Centre, the BC Wildfire Service has closed three forest service roads near active fires to help protect public safety and assist firefighting operations.

The BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public that the operation of off-road vehicles (ORVs) and all motorcycles for recreational purposes on Crown land continues to be prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre.

With high and extreme fire danger ratings in the entire Cariboo Fire Centre and above-seasonal temperatures expected in the region over the long weekend, the BC Wildfire Service is urging the public to use extreme caution when spending time outdoors.