Given the marked increase in wildfire activity in the Okanagan Valley and elsewhere in the province over the past week, the BC Wildfire Service is again urging the public to be extremely cautious with any allowed fire use.

The unique beauty of Canada’s West Coast and the rugged wildness of the North will be front and centre during The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s second official Royal Tour to Canada.

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.