WILLIAMS LAKE – The City of Williams Lake and Williams Lake First Nation, with support from the BC Wildfire Service, are planning a prescribed burn within city limits to help reduce wildfire risks.

When and Where

• The prescribed burn will take place on about 20 hectares of land northeast of the Westridge Subdivision, between Country Club Boulevard and Westridge Subdivision.
• Preparation work that includes small scale fire ignitions to create control lines may start as early as Tuesday, March 25.
• The main burn may begin the same day and continue periodically until Friday, April 4, but will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly.

What to Expect

• Smoke and flames will be highly visible from vantage points in town that look west across Williams Creek toward Westridge Subdivision. The burn may appear close to the Tolko Industry Lakeview Mill log yard, Williams Lake Golf & Tennis Club and the Westridge Subdivision.
• Crews will ignite ground fuels to mimic a naturally occurring wildland fire, which may include the candling of some trees.
• Some trails and roads may be closed during the burn for safety—watch for signs and roadblocks.
• Firefighting personnel will control and monitor the burn into the evening, including overnight patrols.
• Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 48 hours after ignition.

What are the goals of this prescribed burn?

• Reduce wildfire risk by safely burning excess dry fuel under controlled conditions.
• Help native plants grow while limiting the spread of invasive species.
• Strengthen collaboration between BC Wildfire Service and local firefighters outside of emergency response situations.

Exposure to smoke from wildfires or prescribed burning can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts and worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. If your area is impacted by smoke:

• Run portable air cleaners with windows and doors closed. Both commercial and home-made units (https://rb.gy/90uh5s) can be effective if operated properly.
• Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities.
• Manage pre-existing conditions, and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms.

Learn More:

Fire is a natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities (including the use of prescribed burns), to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.

Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca.

To report a wildfire, dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free. To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation, call the RAPP line on 1 877 952-7277.

You can also use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire. Reporting though the app let’s you upload images and can be used without service.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, prohibitions and restrictions, road closures, and air-quality advisories please visit BCWildfire.ca, the BC Wildfire Map, or use the BC Wildfire app.

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