Effective at noon on Friday, July 13, 2012, all open fires are prohibited within the Northwest Fire Centre with the exception of the former North Coast Forest District.

The B.C. government is encouraging residents of wildland-urban interface areas to help safeguard their homes and communities by becoming more "FireSmart".

Effective at noon on Friday, July 13, 2012, all open fires are prohibited within the Southeast Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. The prohibition will remain in place until Sept. 19, or until the public is otherwise notified.

The Northwest Fire Centre is encouraging the public to be extra cautious with campfires and open burning activities this weekend, due to a forecast of dry and warm weather in the region.

B.C. raspberry producers will increase their competitiveness by developing new products with the support of the governments of Canada and British Columbia.

Minister of Justice Shirley Bond has issued the following statement: "I understand that these are very challenging times for those who have been impacted by the recent flooding around the province.

A five-person Rapid Damage Assessment (RDA) team (one manager and two, 2-person damage assessment teams) has arrived in Sicamous and is working directly with the emergency operations centre.

Visitors to Peace Arch Provincial Park in South Surrey are advised the Semiahmoo First Nation has decided to charge a $5-daily parking fee effective immediately.

Seven derelict vessels located along the Fraser River near Mission are now deemed secured.