Effective noon Sept. 21, 2011, all open fires will be permitted across the Columbia Fire Zone due to a decreased risk of wildfires. However, open fires remain prohibited within the rest of the Southeast Fire Centre's jurisdiction, with the exception of campfires.

Wood stove exchange programs in communities throughout B.C. will share another $200,000 in funding to help more people swap old wood stoves for new high-efficiency models, Environment Minister Terry Lake announced.

Overall, at 93,465 reservations to date, camping reservations in provincial parks are up eight per cent over last year, and up an impressive 48 per cent for the week of Aug. 22-28, 2011.

Bring your family and sense of adventure to the climbing festival this Labour Day weekend Sept. 2-5, 2011, at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park.

Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson has announced $10,000 for the Lillooet Regional Invasive Species Society to help reduce the spread and impact of invasive plants on Crown land.

Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson announced $30,000 for the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee today to help reduce the spread and impact of invasive plants on Crown land.

Effective at 12 noon Friday, Aug. 12, 2011, all open burning, including campfires and fireworks, will be prohibited across the Merritt and Lillooet fire zones within the Kamloops Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

Compliance and Enforcement staff inspected more than 50 campfires at Shuswap Lake during the B.C. Day long weekend, but didn't have to issue one violation ticket.