Prescribed burn for wildfire reduction planned along Highway 20



WILLIAMS LAKE – The BC Wildfire Service in partnership with the Tsilhqot’in Nation communities, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, BC Parks, Cariboo Chilcotin Regional District and BC Hydro will be conducting a series of prescribed burns approximately 40 hectares in size along Highway 20.

The goal of this prescribed burn is to reduce wildfire hazard to protect infrastructure and prevent uncontrolled fires along the Highway 20 corridor. Crews will be targeting high risk areas between Lee’s Corner lookout and Chilanko Forks.

While burning is underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of the public and firefighters.

Burning may begin as early as March 20, 2024, and will continue periodically until May 31, 2024.

The exact timing of the burn will be dependent on weather, site and venting conditions. Ignitions will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for quick smoke dissipation.

Smoke and flames from this prescribed burn may be visible from Tsi Del Del, Yunesit’in, T’letinqox, Alexis Creek, Highway 20, and surrounding areas. Firefighters will closely monitor this fire at all times.

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 and Cultural and prescribed fire – Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)

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