PARKSVILLE – The BC Wildfire Service will be assisting the Boothroyd Indian Band with an
upcoming cultural burn in an area along Blue Lake Road, northwest of the Boston Bar Airport.
The cultural burn will include four separate plots of land, covering a total area of 45 hectares.
Smoke may be visible from the Boothroyd townsite and surrounding areas, and to motorists from
Highway 1.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions. The plan is to
commence operations as early as May 8, 2023, and continuing periodically until May 31, 2023.
Burning will proceed only if desired on-site conditions are met and allow for quick smoke
dissipation.

The cultural burn will assist Boothroyd Indian Band with the removal of invasive plants while
enhancing medicinal and natural food sources. The objective of this low-to-moderate intensity
surface fire is to consume slashed fuel and promote the growth of local plant species.
BC Wildfire Service staff will be working cooperatively with the Boothroyd Indian Band to
carefully prepare, control, and monitor the fire at all times. This cultural event will allow band
members to work with BCWS mentors, who are experts in fire suppression and management. In
addition, band members will share their knowledge regarding working in culturally sensitive
areas and Indigenous protocols for cultural fire.

Learn More about cultural and prescribed fire.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free
or *5555 on a cell phone.

You can follow the latest wildfire news:

• on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and
  Android devices
• on Twitter
• on Facebook

Contact:
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Coastal Fire Centre
250-951-4209

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