Prescribed burn for Boitanio Park and Stampede Park Grounds



WILLIAMS LAKE – The BC Wildfire Service, in partnership with the City of Williams Lake and Williams Lake First Nation, plans to conduct two prescribed burns within the city of Williams Lake in efforts to reduce wildfire risk in the area.

These prescribed burns will cover a combined 9.5 hectares in Boitanio Park and the Stampede Park Grounds. Burning may begin as early as April 4, 2023 and will continue periodically until April 21, 2023. Ignition will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation.

A low- to moderate-intensity surface fire will be lit within pre-established boundaries to remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring ground fire. BC Wildfire Service staff will be working with members of the Williams Lake Fire Department to carefully prepare, control, and monitor the fires at all times. Smoke and flames will be visible in the city of Williams Lake and surrounding area.

While burning is underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur. Fires will be extinguished at the end of the day with on-site monitoring for the evenings.

The intent of the prescribed burns is to reduce the risk of a wildfire spreading within city limits and to promote the growth of local plant species while reducing the spread of invasive plant species.

These prescribed burns will also allow the Williams Lake Fire Department and BC Wildfire Service to work together outside of emergency response activities, which is important for strengthening inter-agency coordination. This is a continuation of a relationship with Williams Lake First Nation to grow capacity and knowledge for cultural and prescribed burning.

Learn More

A factsheet about prescribed burns and ecosystem restoration burns is available online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/prescribed-burns-reduce-wildfire-risks.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

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Contact:

BC Wildfire Service
Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre
778 -799-2100

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