NEMIAH VALLEY – Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, with support from BC Wildfire Service, will conduct a cultural burn approximately 18 hectares in size located near Nemiah Valley Lodge.
When and where
- Burning is expected to begin as early as Wednesday April 1, and may continue periodically until April 6
- The cultural burn will take place on approximately 18 hectares of land on two treatment units located near Nemiah Valley Lodge
- Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly
What to expect
- Smoke may be visible to Nemiah Valley and to motorists travelling along 900 Road
- Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring wildland fire
- Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn
- The perimeter of the burn will be extinguished at the end of each day
- Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition
Objectives of this cultural burn
- Reduce wildfire risk around Nemiah Valley and surrounding communities.
- Use fire to restore grassland and forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem.
Strengthen collaboration between BC Wildfire Service and local communities outside of emergency response situation.
This Cultural Burning and Prescribed Fire YouTube video is an excellent resource to learn more about importance of cultural and prescribed fire practices. Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca or at BCWS cultural and prescribed fire.
Fire has been used by Indigenous Peoples for millennia to manage flora and fauna and is continued through the communities’ cultural fire program. Projects like this are renewing past traditions and practices and are an opportunity for BC Wildfire Service staff to work with the community of Xeni Gwet’in First Nation.
Minimizing health impacts from smoke
Exposure to smoke from wildfires or prescribed burning can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts and worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. If your area is impacted by smoke:
- Manage pre-existing conditions, and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms.
- Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities.
- 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.
Learn about protecting your health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke
Reporting
- To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation calling call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
- To report illegal fires in a local fire department’s jurisdiction, call 9-1-1.
- Dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free to report a wildfire.
- Use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire. Reporting though the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.
Stay in the know
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, prohibitions and restrictions, road closures, and air-quality advisories please visit BCWildfire.ca, the BC Wildfire Map, or use the BC Wildfire app.
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Contact
Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service
778-799-2100
CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect