WILLIAMS LAKE – To help reduce the risk of wildfires, the BC Wildfire Service, in collaboration with Williams Lake First Nation and the Cariboo Chilcotin Natural Resource District will be conducting a prescribed burn within the Esler Road area adjacent to Highway 20.
When and where
- Burning is expected to begin as early as Tuesday March 31 and may continue periodically until Saturday April 25
- The prescribed burn will cover approximately four hectares in the Esler Road area north of Highway 20
- Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly
What to expect
- Smoke may be visible from Williams Lake and surrounding communities and to motorists travelling along Highway 20, Dog Creek Road and Bond Lake Road
- Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring wildland fire
- Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn
- Personnel will remain on-site into the evening to ensure the perimeter of the fire is fully extinguished at the end of each day and will only leave once there is no risk of the fire spreading
Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.
These YouTube videos explain the benefits of prescribed burning and showcase 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 this prescribed burn
- Reduce wildfire risk around Williams Lake and surrounding area
- Use fire to restore grassland and forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem
- Strengthen collaboration between Williams Lake First Nation, Cariboo Chilcotin Natural Resource District and BC Wildfire Service
Minimizing health impacts from smoke
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:
- 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
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.
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.
Follow the latest wildfire news on:
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