Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson issued the following statement from Beijing, where he is concluding a forestry trade mission to Japan and China:

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations plans to conduct a prescribed burn in a 200-hectare plot of forest near Lintz Lake this week to remove dead or damaged trees and prepare the ground for reforestation.

B.C.'s wildfire history is being preserved and an improved local recreation opportunity is being provided through restoration of the McBride Peak fire lookout.

John and Joyce Helweg, who operate a woodlot near Fort St. James, were recognized by Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson as part of the 2013 Woodlot Management Awards.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations advises that prescribed burning is planned for several areas west and south of Williams Lake between Sept. 24 and Oct. 31, weather conditions permitting.

Users of off-road vehicles, including ATV riders, are reminded to obey recreational use restrictions currently in effect in the Yanks Peak and Eureka Peak sub-alpine areas east of Williams Lake.

The Northwest Fire Centre has responded to five new fires this week, as warm and dry weather continues throughout the region.

Effective at noon (MDT) on Monday, Sept. 9, open fires will be permitted within the Columbia Fire Zone, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Effective at noon on Friday, Sept. 6, Category 2 open fires (also referred to as backyard burning or debris burning) will be permitted within the Coastal Fire Centre's jurisdiction, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.