To protect sensitive grasslands and riparian ecosystems in the Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is introducing measures to restrict motorized recreational use in the Lac du Bois/Batchelor and Lower Noble Creek areas.

Effective at noon on Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, campfires and other types of open burning will be prohibited in some areas of the Northwest Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

The BC Wildfire Service is monitoring a 40-hectare wildfire burning in Granby Provincial Park. Depending on wind direction, drifting smoke from this fire may be visible in the Lower Arrow Lake region, Castlegar and surrounding communities.

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 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.

BC Wildfire Service crews are continuing suppression efforts on a wildfire burning in the Homathko River-Tatlayoko Protected Area, about 220 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake.

British Columbia’s provincial parks are not the only places where residents and visitors can enjoy camping. Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) offers approximately 8,500 sites for camping at 1,700 locations in B.C.’s great outdoors.

The BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public that the use of fireworks is banned in the Southeast Fire Centre, as part of the Category 2 and Category 3 open burning prohibitions implemented earlier this year to help reduce wildfire risks.

Calling all shutterbugs! Capture your favourite moments in provincial parks this summer for a chance to have your photo featured by BC Parks.