100 MILE HOUSE – The BC Wildfire Service, in collaboration with the Clinton Community Forest, the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department, High Bar First Nation and Whispering Pines First Nation, with support from Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation, will conduct an ecosystem restoration prescribed burn within the municipal boundaries of the Village of Clinton. This project will take place within the Clinton Community Forest, located just north of the Village of Clinton
When and where
- Preparation of the site, including small scale hand ignitions to create a blackened edge (blackline guard) around the total burn area, will begin as early as Tuesday, March 31
- Expanded controlled burning will begin as early as Monday, April 6 and may continue periodically until April 17
- The prescribed burn will take place on two treatment units totaling approximately 59 hectares of land in the Clinton Community Forest, located just north of the Village of Clinton
- Ground ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly
What to expect
- Smoke will be visible from Clinton and surrounding areas, and to motorists travelling along Highway 97
- 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 to the High Bar, Stswecem’c Xget’tem and Whispering Pines First Nations as well as the Village of Clinton and surrounding area
- Use fire to restore forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem
- Increase public education and awareness of prescribed fire use
- Strengthen collaboration between the Whispering Pines, Stswecem’c Xget’tem and High Bar First Nations, the Clinton Community Forest, the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department and the Cariboo Fire Centre to grow capacity and knowledge for cultural and prescribed burning outside of emergency response situations
- Re-establish cultural and prescribed fire within the traditional territory of High Bar First Nation, Whispering Pines and Stswecem’c Eget’tem First Nation
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.
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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