Cultural burn planned for McCulloch area



KAMLOOPS – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting Westbank First Nation in conducting a portion of the multi-year cultural burn project covering up to 85 hectares, about 10 kilometres southeast of Kelowna. A portion of this project was completed in the spring of 2024, the target area for this year will be 41 hectares.

This project was originally announced and scheduled to begin in early spring 2025, but was postponed to this fall.

Key goals of this prescribed burn include:

  • Improving public safety through a reduction in fuel loading (standing and surface fuel) within the wildland urban interface (WUI)
  • Reducing build-up of dead grass, increasing the productivity of traditional foods and improving winter grazing for wildlife
  • Helping to restore forest health and a properly functioning ecosystem
  • Providing cross training opportunities between BCWS and Westbank First Nation

Smoke may be visible from Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country, and to motorists travelling along Highway 33 E.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as October 14, 2025. Burning will only proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days.

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:

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: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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Contact:
Peter Kascak
Mentorship Forester
Ntityix Resources
pkascak@ntityixresources.com
250 768-5617 ext. 111

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