CHILCOTIN – The BC Wildfire Service in partnership with the Tsilhqot’in Nation communities, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, BC Parks, Cariboo Chilcotin Regional District and BC Hydro and will be conducting a series of prescribed burns along Highway 20.
When and where
- The prescribed burns will cover 35 hectares, along Highway 20 between Hanceville and Chilanko Forks.
- This burn was initially scheduled for early March. Due to site conditions and weather forecasts, burning will start as early as Thursday, April 3, continuing periodically until April 18.
- Ignitions will only proceed if weather and site conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation.
What to expect
- Smoke and flames will be visible from Riske Creek, Tl’esqox, Tŝideldel, Yunesit’in, T’letinqox, Alexis Creek, Highway 20 and surrounding areas.
- Crews will ignite ground fuels with hand torches and will control and closely monitor fire activity.
- While burning is underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur.
Objective of these prescribed burns
- Reduce wildfire risk along the Highway 20 corridor.
- Reduce fire damage to highway, utility and range infrastructure.
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 or find more resources here.
Learn about protecting your health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke
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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Contact:
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service | Cariboo Fire Centre
778 799-2100
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect