Hot and dry weather is in the forecast throughout the province this weekend, along with strong, gusty winds. The BC Wildfire Service is preparing for increased wildfire activity and urges the public to be cautious with any activities in the backcountry.

Effective at noon on Aug. 17, 2016, campfires and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, with the exception of Haida Gwaii and the area known as the “Fog Zone”.

Effective at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, an existing prohibition on Category 2 open fires within the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction will be expanded to include Haida Gwaii.

The B.C. government is distributing over $464,000 in new grants to help small communities develop projects to diversify and strengthen their economies.

The BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public that the use of fireworks or sky lanterns is currently banned within the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction.

Because of dropping stream and groundwater levels, the Province is urging everyone on Haida Gwaii to voluntarily reduce water use by 30%.

The Province will close the black bear hunting season on Haida Gwaii at midnight on Thursday, June 9, 2016.

Effective at noon on Friday, May 13, 2016, Category 2 open fires will be prohibited in most areas of the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is undertaking a fuels management treatment project within the City of Powell River to reduce forest fuels near the Penticton Trails.