cíkílaxwn (cultural burn) planned for akɬpʕas (Place of the Nighthawk)



OSOYOOS – The BC Wildfire Service and Lower Similkameen Indian Band will be supporting BC Parks in conducting a cultural burn covering up to 280 hectares in a western section of the South Okanagan Grasslands Protected area, 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.

Prep work, including blacklining will begin as early as Monday, February 10. The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as the end of February or early March depending on the weather. 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:

  • helping to restore grassland health and ecosystem services to support native plants and wildlife;
  • returning a natural and necessary process to the land base

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 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 toll free 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: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

You can follow the latest wildfire news on:

Contact:
Justin Smith
Communications Coordinator
Lower Similkameen Indian Band
250-506-0501
Communications@lsib.net

BC Wildfire Service
Fire Information Officer
Kamloops Fire Centre
250-554-5965
KFCInfo@gov.bc.ca

BC Parks
1-800-689-9025
parkinfo@gov.bc.ca

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