PARKSVILLE – The Boothroyd Indian Band is planning to conduct a cultural burn with assistance from the BC Wildfire Service starting as early as May 12, 2025. The goal is to restore and improve the productivity of plants used for traditional food and medicines as well as reducing the risk of future wildfires in the wildland urban interface. This will lessen the impact and number of invasive species while promoting native plant species important to the Boothroyd.
The burn location is in the Fraser Zone of the Coastal Fire Centre, approximately 1 kilometre north of the Boothroyd Indian Band on Indian Reserve land and will cover up to 10 hectares. Previous portions of this area were burned in May 2024 with BC Wildfire Service supporting the Boothroyd community. This phase of the project was captured on video. This cultural burn will maintain the occurrence of traditional fire practice on the landscape.
This is also a valuable cross-training opportunity for BC Wildfire Service to work with Boothroyd’s Initial Response crew.This plan has been developed under the guidance and support of the Boothroyd Chief and Council.
The timing of this burn will depend on weather and site conditions, but it could begin as early as Monday, May 12, 2025. Smoke may be visible to motorists and area residents.
Burning will proceed if conditions are suitable to achieve objectives and allow for smoke dispersal, though smoke may linger, particularly the morning after burn operations. Despite all precautions to manage it, unintended smoke impacts are possible after any burn.
The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with First Nations and other land managers to undertake fuel management activities (including the use of cultural and prescribed fire), to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities. Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit: bcwildfire.ca.
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Contact:
Fire Information Officer
Coastal Fire Centre
BC Wildfire Service
250-951-4209
Chief Mike Campbell
Boothroyd Band
604-869-4677
Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect.