Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson issued the following statement in response to a July 10 incident involving a firefighting aircraft working on the Puntzi Lake wildfire.

With weather conditions expected to remain warm and dry, water users in the South Coast and Lower Fraser regions are being urged to reduce water consumption.

Effective at noon on Thursday, July 2, 2015, the existing campfire ban in the Coastal Fire Centre will be expanded to include all areas within the fire centrs's jurisdiction, with the exception of Haida Gwaii and the area known as the "Fog Zone".

Effective at noon Pacific Time on Thursday, July 2, 2015, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

Anyone planning to go camping or spend time in the backcountry this weekend or on the Canada Day holiday must comply with provincial regulations regarding campfire restrictions and safety.

Effective at noon on Saturday, June 27, 2015 within the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, campfires will only be allowed on northern Vancouver Island, the mid-coast portion of the mainland and on Haida Gwaii.

While cooler and wetter conditions have allowed firefighters to make good progress on the 700 hectare Elaho wildfire, 67 kilometres west of Pemberton, a return to warm and dry conditions next week may challenge crews.

Effective at noon on Thursday, June 18, 2015, open burning will once again be permitted throughout the Prince George Fire Centre's jurisdiction.