VICTORIA - Cooling temperatures and rain have allowed ministry officials to re-open the province to backcountry travel, effective midnight tonight.

However, the province-wide state of emergency remains in effect and wild fires continue to be an ongoing threat in many parts of province. There are still 700 active fires in the province. British Columbians should exercise extreme caution and only venture into the backcountry if absolutely necessary.

Should conditions change, including significant new human-caused fire starts, the backcountry travel ban can be re-imposed.

Some provincial parks and protected areas, including Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park and Myra-Bellevue Protected Area remain closed until further notice. Specific park and protected area closures, campfire bans and other restriction information can be obtained from park facility operators or the B.C. Parks Web site at www.bcparks.ca.

The public is reminded to report wildfires by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks. To report any suspicious activity, please call the above number or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

A reward of up to $50,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in deliberately setting wildfires. Arson is a criminal offence and is punishable by significant fines and/or imprisonment.

For more information on the local Forest Service restrictions, closures and campfire bans, see the Ministry of Forests Protection Branch Web site at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/protect/ or contact the local forest district office. For tourism information, contact 1-800-hellobc.

Contact:

Provincial Fire Centre
Ministry of Forests
250 356-5249

Liz Bicknell
Communications Director
Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection
250 387-9973