People living in the communities of Cranbrook, Fernie, Elkford, Sparwood, Fort Steele and Kimberley may notice a large column of smoke in the air as a result of proactive burning starting on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, around a lightning-caused wildfire 8 kilometres north of Fisher Peak.

A new Area Restriction Order is in effect immediately around wildfires near Canal Flats to protect the safety of firefighting personnel and the public.

With weather conditions expected to remain hot and dry in the coming week, water users on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are being urged to reduce water consumption.

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.

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.

The Nahatlatch Forest Service Road has been reopened due to decreased wildfire activity and a reduced threat from the Mehatl Creek fire.

Interested members of the public are invited to complete an online survey about off-road vehicle use in the Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District until Sept. 7, 2014.