CHILCOTIN – The BC Wildfire Service, in partnership with the Cariboo Chilcotin Natural Resource District will be conducting two prescribed burns in the Siwash area approximately 100 kilometres to the west of Williams Lake.
When and where
- Burning may begin as early as Tuesday, October 14, and continue periodically until Friday, October 24.
- The prescribed burn will take place on approximately 220 hectares of land west of the community of Yunisit’in and southwest of Alexis Creek.
- The 220 hectares are split into two treatment areas that will be ignited at different times.
- Burning will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather to meet burn objectives.
What to expect
- Smoke and flames may be visible to nearby residents and motorists on Highway 20.
- Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn.
- The perimeter of the burn will be extinguished at the end of each day.
- Firefighters will remain on-site to monitor conditions into the evening.
Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.
This video showcases the process and some of the work that goes into planning Prescribed Burns. The BCWS YouTube channel is an excellent resource to watch videos on wildfire and prevention in the province.
Objectives of the prescribed burn
- Help restore natural forest health and encourage a properly functioning ecosystem.
- Consume forest fuels from a dwarf mistletoe eradication treatment.
- Support the growth of a healthy vibrant forest stand to be planted post burn treatment.
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
Reporting
- To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation calling call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
- To report illegal fires in a local fire department’s jurisdiction, call 9-1-1.
- Dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free to report a wildfire.
- Use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire. Reporting though the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.
Stay in the know
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
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