WILLIAMS LAKE – Williams Lake First Nation, in partnership with BC Wildfire Service, will conduct a cultural burn within the Williams Lake First Nation IR 1.
When and where
- Burning will take place starting as early as Wednesday, April 23, continuing periodically until May 2.
- The burn will cover up to 100 hectares stretching from the cemetery, north to Highway 97 and west to Eagleview Drive.
- Ignitions 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 visible from Williams Lake First Nation, the City of Williams Lake and to motorists traveling Highway 97.
- Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials.
- While burning is underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur.
- The perimeter of the burn will be extinguished at the end of each day. Smoke from within the perimeter may remain visible up to 48 hours after ignition.
- Firefighters will remain on-site to monitor conditions into the evening.
Objectives of this cultural burn
- Reduce wildfire risk to the Williams Lake First Nation and surrounding area.
- Use fire to restore forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem.
- Strengthen collaboration between Williams Lake First Nation, Borland Creek Logging and the Cariboo Fire Centre to grow capacity and knowledge for cultural and prescribed burning outside of emergency response situations.
Fire has been used by Indigenous Peoples for millennia to manage flora and fauna and is continued through the communities cultural fire programs. Projects like this are renewing past traditions and practices and is an opportunity for BC Wildfire Service staff to work with Williams Lake First Nation.
Minimizing health impacts from smoke
Exposure to smoke from wildfires or cultural and prescribed burning can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts and worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. If your area is impacted by smoke:
- Manage pre-existing conditions, and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms.
- Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities.
- 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.
Learn about protecting your health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke
Learn more
Learn more about cultural and prescribed fire here. 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 Service mobile app.
Follow the latest wildfire news on:
BC Wildfire Service Mobile App: available for Apple and Android
Contacts
John Walker, RPF
Stewardship Forester | Williams Lake First Nation
778 417-0182
john.walker@wlfn.ca
Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service
778 799-2100
CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect