ALEXIS CREEK – The BC Wildfire Service, in collaboration with the Tsilhqot’in Nation communities, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, BC Parks, Cariboo Chilcotin Natural Resource District and BC Hydro, will be conducting a series of prescribed burns along Highway 20.
When and where
- Burning is expected to begin as early as Friday, March 27 and may continue periodically until June 1.
- The prescribed burns will take place on approximately 20 hectares of land between Hanceville and Chilanko Forks, adjacent to Highway 20
- Ignitions will only proceed if conditions are safe, with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly
What to expect
- Smoke and flames will be visible from Riske Creek, Tl’esqox, Tŝideldel, Yunesit’in, T’letinqox, Alexis Creek, Highway 20 and surrounding areas
- Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials and mimic a naturally occurring wildland fire
- While burning is underway, traffic control will be on-site to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur
- Firefighters will closely monitor the fire activity at all times during the burn
- Personnel will remain on-site into the evening to ensure the burns are fully extinguished at the end of each day and will only leave once there is no risk of the fire spreading
- Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition
The following YouTube videos explain the benefits of prescribed burning and showcase the process and some of the work that goes into planning Prescribed Burns. The BCWS YouTube channel is an excellent resource to watch videos on wildfire and prevention in the province.
Objectives of this prescribed burn
- Reduce wildfire risk along the Highway 20 corridor
- Reduce fire damage to highway, utility and range infrastructure
- Use fire to restore grassland and forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem
- Strengthen collaboration between BC Wildfire Service and local communities outside of emergency response situation
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, to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.
Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca or find more resources here.
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