As drought conditions continue for much of the southern Interior, water restriction orders are now in place for two areas in the Thompson-Okanagan region.

The continued unprecedented dry and hot conditions in British Columbia’s southern Interior has prompted government to increase the drought level in the Okanagan to 4.

Drought and water scarcity continues to impact most of the southern half of British Columbia.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries has a dedicated team of staff working closely with the B.C. ranching and livestock industry during emergencies like drought and wildfires.

The Ministry of Agriculture brought the classroom to the field by offering farmers and ranchers around the province the opportunity to attend a variety of agriculture-related learning events with support from the governments of Canada and British Columbia. 

Extremely warm and dry conditions have prompted the Province to set a Level 3 drought rating for the Peace, Upper Fraser East and Upper Fraser West areas.

As warmer weather returns to parts of the province that were affected by last summer’s wildfires, some hotspots could emerge due to what are called “overwintering” fires.

Responding to continuing warm and dry conditions, the Province has announced a Level 4 drought rating for the South Thompson, Kettle and Granby watersheds.

The BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public that the operation of off-road vehicles (ORVs) and all motorcycles for recreational purposes on Crown land continues to be prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre.

With streams and rivers in the Middle Fraser, Similkameen, Coldwater, Nicola and Kettle watersheds experiencing very low flows, and weather conditions expected to remain dry, residents of the Cariboo and Thompson-Okanagan regions are urged to reduce their water consumption.