Cultural burn planned for Xeni Gwet’in Declared Title Area



XENI GWET’IN – Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, with support from the BC Wildfire Service will conduct an ecosystem restoration cultural burn at the Xeni Gwet’in Rodeo Grounds within the Declared Title Area.

When and where

  • Burning is expected to begin as early as Wednesday April 1, and may continue periodically until April 10.
  • The cultural burn will take place on approximately 30 hectares including the Xeni Gwet’in Rodeo Grounds within the Declared Title Area, adjacent to Nemiah Valley Road.
  • Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly.
Google earth image identifying the Xeni Gwet'in Rodeo Grounds as the area where a cultural burn will take place.

What to expect

  • Smoke and flames will be visible from Xeni Gwet’in and surrounding residences
  • Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials
  • 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 the community of Xeni Gwet’in and surrounding residences
  • Use fire to restore grassland and forest health to mimic a naturally occurring wildland fire and encourage a properly functioning ecosystem
  • Strengthen relationships between BC Wildfire Service staff and Xeni Gwet’in to collaborate on wildfire prevention efforts

This Cultural Burning and Prescribed Fire YouTube video is an excellent resource to learn more about importance of cultural and prescribed fire practices.

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.

Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca or at BCWS cultural and prescribed fire.

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