The Northwest Fire Centre has issued an area restriction order for areas surrounding the China Nose fire, currently burning about 15 km southeast of Houston, effective 6:00 p.m. Aug. 14.

Effective at 4 p.m. on Aug. 12, 2014, campfires and open burning will be prohibited in some areas of the Northwest Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

Water samples taken from the shore of Polley Lake on Aug. 7, 2014, have been tested and are very close to historical levels prior to the Aug. 4, 2014, tailings pond breach at Imperial Mines.

Government and Cariboo Regional District officials continue to work together to address the breach at the Mount Polley tailings pond, to test the local drinking water to determine if it is safe for locals to drink or bathe in, and to help ensure the safety and well-being of local residents.

Interested members of the public are invited to complete an online survey about off-road vehicle use in the Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District until Sept. 7, 2014.

An Area Restriction Order is in effect immediately for areas near the White Tail Brook fire, approximately 10 kilometres east of the village of Canal Flats.

Parliamentary Secretary for Healthy Living and Seniors Michelle Stilwell announced that eight B.C. communities will receive Age-friendly BC Recognition awards for 2014.

Effective at 12 noon on July 23, campfires remain prohibited in all areas of the Kamloops Fire Centre except the Clearwater Fire Zone.