OSOYOOS – The BC Wildfire Service and BC Parks are working collaboratively with the Lower Similkameen Indian Band to conduct phase II of a cultural burn covering up to approximately 165 hectares in the western section of the South Okanagan Grasslands Protected area. This project is being implemented with support from the BC Wildlife Federation. The project area is located about 16 kilometres west of Osoyoos, northwest of the Canada Chopaka and United States Nighthawk Port of Entry. The project area lies within the traditional area of the sməlqmix people and is known as ksisq’iwas (A Split Between the Mountains), nməlqitkʷ (Similkameen River) to the west, the cə̕kʷ̕ncʕan (Pulling Together Travel Trail) to the north, akɬpʕas (Place of the Nighthawk).

Smoke may be visible from Osoyoos, Chopaka, Keremeos, Cawston and surrounding areas and to motorists travelling along Highway 3.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as October 2, 2026. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days.

Key goals of this cultural burn include:

• kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ – helping to restore grassland health and ecosystem services to support native plants and wildlife;
• cíkílaxwm – applying fire to the landscape; returning a natural and necessary process to the land base
• kntwix – helping one another; building collaborative relationships

The reduction of sagebrush cover will support an increase in the growth of native grass communities with Sandberg’s bluegrass, Bluebunch wheatgrass, needle and thread grass, and Idaho fescue as well as other culturally important plants such as sp’iƛ’m (bitterroot) and smətsnaləkʷ (desert parsley). Grassland maintenance through cultural burning also reduces fuel loading which decreases the wildfire risk during the hot, dry summer months.

The Cultural Burning and Prescribed Fire YouTube is an excellent resource to learn more about prescribed and cultural fire.

Fire is a normal and natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with a range of partners to undertake fuel management activities (including the use of controlled burns), to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities. These projects are carefully planned and only go ahead at the right times and under the right conditions to ensure community and practitioner safety.  

Visit the BC Wildfire Service Cultural and Prescribed Fire webpage and Prescribedfire.ca for more information.

Exposure to smoke can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts and worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. If your area is impacted by smoke:

• 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
• Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities
• Manage pre-existing conditions and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms

Learn more about protecting health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 tollfree or *5555 on a cell phone or through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit: BCWildfire.ca

You can follow the latest wildfire news on:

• On the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices
• Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Contact:

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect