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Be aware of restrictions in the back country

⚠️ TEMPORARY OFF-ROAD VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT

The Province of B.C. has temporarily prohibited the recreational use of off-road vehicles on Crown land throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, effective at noon today, August 10.

The restriction includes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles and off-road side-by-side vehicles.

The Province has put the restriction in place due to extreme and unpredictable wildfire activity, elevated fire danger and extremely dry conditions. Off-road vehicles can cause unintentional ignitions that may spark new wildfires.

The BC Wildfire Service is also strongly urging people to stay out of the backcountry during the current wildfire situation.

The restriction does not apply to private land or national parks, or to certain emergency, agricultural and commercial/industrial uses.

➡️ Read the full information from the Province of B.C.: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026FOR0032-000935

Campfire ban starts tomorrow at noon:

🔥 Campfire Ban Begins July 23 at Noon

The City of Castlegar will follow the Southeast Fire Centre campfire ban, beginning Thursday, July 23 at 12 p.m.

The ban prohibits Category 1 campfires and is being put in place due to the current hot and dry conditions and increased wildfire risk.

While the fire ban is in effect, the Castlegar Fire Department will be enforcing the ban and may issue fines and applicable service fees for non-compliance.

Please do your part to reduce the risk of human-caused fires and help keep our community safe.

To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone.

For current fire bans and wildfire information, visit bcwildfire.ca.

BC Wildfire service protecting our province! It's been a busy week with dry weather and lightening.

Last week we warned B.C. may see more wildfire activity due to storms bringing dry lightning and winds. This did occur, with approximately 33,380 lightning strikes in B.C. between Wednesday and Sunday.

In advance of this weather, we ensured crews and resources were on standby and ready to respond. As a result:

🔥 Of the 182 wildfires that started in the last seven days, 80% are already classified as Out, Being Held, or Under Control

🔥 Of the 37 new wildfires that remain Out of Control, 26 are 10 hectares or smaller

🛩️ Airtankers responded to 53 targets in the last seven days, supporting crews on the ground

🚁 103 helicopters have been working across the province to support crews

🚒 Structure protection and defense resources have been mobilized, with 151 personnel deployed including support from 28 fire departments

Response continues, weather conditions in the coming week will continue to encourage fire growth.

To stay informed about wildfire activity in B.C. use the BC Wildfire Service App or online dashboard to access details on each incident.

https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/dashboard

Photo: Crews working Friday night on the Brunswick Complex

Come on down to Spring Fling!

Notice some new signage in Castlegar?

City of Castlegar Revitalizes Adopt-a-Road Program

The City of Castlegar is relaunching its Adopt-a-Road program with a refreshed look, including a new logo and updated signage, to encourage more residents, businesses and community groups to help keep Castlegar clean and welcoming.

Originally launched more than 15 years ago, thanks in part to the initiative of Communities in Bloom, the program built strong momentum in its early years. With this relaunch, the City is inviting residents to get involved and strengthen neighbourhood pride. Currently, 30 percent of available road sections are adopted, and the City is hoping to increase participation through the refreshed program.

“The Adopt-a-Road program is a simple but meaningful way for residents to take part in caring for our community,” says Deanna Hooper, Manager of Civic Works. “Programs like this build civic pride, strengthen community connection, and remind us that we are better together when we all do our part to keep Castlegar clean, welcoming and well cared for.”

The relaunch is timed to coincide with Earth Day on April 22, a fitting opportunity to highlight environmental stewardship and community involvement. The City is encouraging residents to take part in simple spring cleanup efforts, whether that means adopting a section of road, tidying up yards, or helping clean up neighbourhood spaces.

The refreshed program also provides an opportunity to recognize the important work of organizations such as Communities in Bloom, whose volunteers continue to make a significant contribution to Castlegar’s appearance and sense of community.

“Adopt-a-Road is an important part of keeping Castlegar clean, attractive and welcoming,” said Darlene Kalawsky, Chair of Castlegar’s Communities in Bloom Program. “It gives residents, businesses and community groups a meaningful way to take pride in their surroundings and contribute to the appearance of the community we all share.”

Adopt-a-Road participants help reduce roadside litter and contribute to a cleaner, more attractive community for residents and visitors alike. Families, businesses, community groups and individuals are all welcome to get involved.

Residents interested in adopting a section of road or learning more about the program can visit castlegar.ca/adoptaroad or contact the City’s Civic Works Department at 250-365-5979 or [email protected].

How residents can help this spring:
• Adopt a section of road through the City’s Adopt-a-Road program
• Organize a neighbourhood or workplace cleanup
• Tidy yards and boulevards
• Help keep public spaces litter-free

The City looks forward to renewed interest in the program as part of a broader community effort to keep Castlegar clean, vibrant and welcoming.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
City of Castlegar Civic Works Department
Phone: 250-365-5979
Email: [email protected]

Castlegar Communities in Bloom
Darlene Kalawsky, Chair
250.365.1653

📸 Councillor Darcy Bell, Councillor Sandy Bojechko, Councillor Cherryl MacLeod, Mayor Maria McFaddin, Councillor Shirley Falstead, Councillor Brian Bogle and Councillor Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff showcase the new look for the Adopt-a-Road Program.

https://hgins.ca/get-a-quote/

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