Wildfire risk reduction burn planned for Esk’etemc Community Forest



Williams Lake – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the Alkali Resource Management Ltd, in conducting a prescribed burn covering up to 57 hectares within the Esk’etemc Community Forest to help reduce wildfire threats.

Smoke may impact residents near the burn area and may be visible from Williams Lake and surrounding communities, and to motorists travelling along Dog Creek Rd and Highway 20.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though light smoke may also linger in the following days.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

  • to reduce the number of shrubs such as Juniper
  • to reduce the number of suppressed standing dead individuals
  • to create mosaic of downed woody debris, standing snaps, and patches of live trees, and
  • to enhance grassland habitat for wildlife and livestock

Fire is a normal and 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 wildfire and related threats to communities.

Learn more about prescribed burning online: http://ow.ly/20Su50Ax89j

These prescribed burns will also allow the Williams Lake Fire Department, Williams Lake First Nation fire crews and BC Wildfire Service to work together outside of emergency response activities, which is important for strengthening inter-agency coordination.

BC Wildfire Service personnel adhere to COVID-19 public health orders and guidelines to ensure that operations can continue safely throughout the province.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 tollfree or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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Contact:

Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Cariboo Fire Centre
778 799-2100