Cultural burn planned for the Upper Hat Creek Valley area



KAMLOOPS – The BC Wildfire Service will be supporting the Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District and Bonaparte First Nation in conducting a cultural burn covering up to 40 hectares, approximately 15 kilometres west of Cache Creek, in the Upper Hat Creek Valley. The Harry Lake Grasslands cultural burn is part of a multi-year project with the Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District to introduce fire into the Upper Hat Creek Valley.

Key goals of this cultural burn include:

  • Revitalization of cultural burning practices by Bonaparte (St’uxwtews) First Nation
  • Reintroduction of fire to a fire deficit ecosystem
  • Ecological maintenance and improvement of grasslands
  • Research initiatives being undertaken by the University of British Columbia (UBC) into prescribed fire in the area

Smoke may be visible from Pavillion, Cache Creek, Bonaparte, Ts’kw’aylaxw, surrounding areas and to motorists travelling along Highway 97 and 99.

The exact timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Friday, March 27. Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal during burn operations, though smoke may also linger in the following days.

The Cultural Burning and Prescribed Fire Youtube channel 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.

You can follow the latest wildfire news on:

Contact:
Gwenn Hetherington
Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District
250-319-3976
Gwenn.Hetherington@gov.bc.ca

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

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