Local amateur and professional freshwater anglers are encouraged to come and share their experiences at an open house being hosted in Haida Gwaii by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

Due to decreased fire activity at the Eskal fire, the Prince George Fire Centre has amended the boundaries of the area closure related to that fire.

Natural resource officers from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations conducted patrols of recreation sites in the Kootenays last weekend to ensure that residents and visitors enjoyed a safe Labour Day holiday.

Effective at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, all open fires will be permitted throughout the Prince George Fire Centre's jurisdiction, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Effective at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, the current campfire ban in the Vernon and Penticton fire zones will be rescinded due to a decreased risk of wildfires. Campfires will now be permitted throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Construction will start this week on a $1.2-million firefighting centre in Valemount, Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond announced today, on behalf of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson.

Effective at 12 noon on Friday, Aug. 24, the current campfire ban in the Kamloops Fire Centre will be rescinded in the Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Merritt and Lillooet fire zones.

With fire activity increasing on the Eskal fire, the Prince George Fire Centre has restricted access to the area surrounding the fire.