With high and extreme fire danger ratings in the entire Cariboo Fire Centre and above-seasonal temperatures expected in the region over the long weekend, the BC Wildfire Service is urging the public to use extreme caution when spending time outdoors.

Effective at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, campfires will once again be allowed in some areas of the Northwest Fire Centre: the Skeena Stikine Forest District (the Cassiar Fire Zone and Bulkley Fire Zone) and the Coast Mountain Forest District (the Skeena Fire Zone).

Due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures — and in consultation with the BC Wildfire Service — BC Parks reopened portions of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park for public use on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017.

The recent growth of two wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre has prompted the Columbia Shuswap Regional District to issue two evacuation alerts — one for the Galena Bay area and another for Heather Lodge and the surrounding area.

BC Parks, in co-ordination with the BC Wildfire Service and Recreation Sites and Trails BC, will close backcountry access to specific areas of Wells Gray Provincial Park effective at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017. This step is being taken to help protect public safety.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy George Heyman today announced a new review of the Hullcar Aquifer, with the end goal of ensuring agricultural practices are consistent with the provision and protection of clean, safe drinking water.

Hot and dry weather is in the forecast for the northwest part of the province, so the BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public that all open burning, including campfires, remains prohibited in the entire Northwest Fire Centre.

The first of 310 firefighting personnel from other Canadian agencies began arriving in British Columbia on Sunday, July 9, 2017, to help the BC Wildfire Service get the upper hand on the 225 wildfires that are burning in the province.

Effective at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 10, 2017, all open fires (including campfires) will be prohibited throughout the Northwest Fire Centre’s jurisdiction to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.