Hundreds of new anglers got their feet wet for the first time at British Columbia's provincial parks during 2012. A record number of B.C. families took part in free Learn to Fish programs in provincial parks, which added value to the park visitors' already great experiences.

British Columbia's provincial parks now have more places to sit and enjoy an amazing view - each with their own special stories and wonderful memories. The 100 for 100 Park Bench Challenge launched in 2011 to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of British Columbia's provincial parks system was so successful that all 100 benches are sold.

Effective at 12 noon on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012, all open fires will be permitted within the Kamloops Fire Centre, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Effective today, Oct. 15, 2012, campfires and all open fires will be permitted in the Clearwater and Salmon Arm fire zones due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Effective at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, open fires will be permitted throughout the Northwest Fire Centre due to a decreased risk of wildfire.

Effective at noon PDT on Oct. 2, 2012, open fires will be permitted throughout the Prince George Fire Centre, due to a decreased risk of wildfires.

Effective at noon on Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, open fire prohibitions in the Kamloops Fire Centre will be extended to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect the public. Due to recent warm and dry weather, 70 per cent of the region remains at a "high" or "extreme" fire danger rating.

Effective at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, an open fire prohibition will be lifted for most of the Northwest Fire Centre, with the exception of the Morice, Bulkley and Lakes timber supply areas.

Smoky skies in the B.C. Interior are the result of several large forest fires, including the Entiako Lake fire in the northeast corner of Tweedsmuir Park. The smoke from these fires has drifted down the coast to Bella Coola, east to Prince George and as far south as Kamloops.

Effective at noon PDT on Thursday, Sept. 20, all open fires and fireworks will be prohibited throughout the Prince George Fire Centre, with the exception of the Prince George Forest District east of Highway 97 and the Fort Nelson Forest District.