100 MILE HOUSE – The 100 Mile House Ministry of Forests will be pile burning approximately three hectares of woody debris near Watch Lake as a wildfire risk reduction project.

When and where

• Ignitions will begin as early as Nov. 5 2026 and continue through Mar. 31, 2027. The exact date will depend on weather and favourable venting conditions.
• The total project covers a total of 39.4 hectares, adjacent to residences in the area of Watch Lake and Green Lake; 25 kilometres southeast of the District of 100 Mile House and 28 kilometres northeast of 70 Mile House.

What to expect

• Crews will ignite approximately 100 piles that are two metres by three metres in size. These piles were created from the selective thinning and pruning of immature trees.
• Burn pile ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favourable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly.
• Smoke and flames may be visible to surrounding communities.
• Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.

Objectives of this Wildfire Risk Reduction project

• Reduce wildfire risk to 100 Mile House residences and surrounding areas.
• Strategically remove forest fuels, reducing the ability of wildfire to spread and reducing overall intensity of a potential wildfire.
• Protect wildlife habitat, recreational values and environmental features.
• Support ongoing Wildfire Risk Reduction projects within the 100 Mile region and area.

Learn more

Fire is a natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities, including the use of prescribed burns and wildfire risk reduction projects, to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.

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

Contact

Johnna Wandler, RFT
Ministry of Forests Resource Professional & GIS Specialist
Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction
Johnna.wandler@gov.bc.ca

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