WILLIAMS LAKE – To help reduce the risk of wildfires, the BC Wildfire Service, with support from the Horsefly Volunteer Fire Department, is planning a prescribed burn at the Horsefly River Spawning Channel.
When and where
- Burning is expected to begin as early as Friday April 17, and may continue periodically until April 30
- The prescribed burn will take place on approximately two hectares of land at the Horsefly River Spawning Channel
What to expect
- Smoke and flames may be visible to the community of Horsefly and to motorists on Horsefly Road
- Access to the Horsefly Wheelchair Accessible Salmon Habitat Viewing Trail will be restricted when ignitions are taking place
- Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials
- Ignitions will only proceed with favorable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly
- While burning is underway, traffic control may be onsite to ensure the safety of public and firefighters, short delays may occur
- Personnel will remain on site until there is no risk of the fire spreading beyond the perimeter and return daily until the fire is out
- Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition
These 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 around the community of Horsefly
- Use fire to restore grassland and forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem
- Strengthen collaboration between BC Wildfire Service and local firefighters outside of emergency response situation
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
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